Shedeur Sanders Gets New Jersey Number With Browns After Shocking NFL Draft Drop — What It Means for His Rookie Season
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, is turning the page on his college chapter as he enters the NFL with the Cleveland Browns—and he’s doing it in a brand-new number.
After his unexpected slide in the 2025 NFL Draft, falling to the fifth round at pick No. 144, Sanders will now wear jersey No. 12, marking a symbolic fresh start. While fans had become accustomed to seeing him wear No. 2 at Colorado, that number has already been claimed by veteran wide receiver DeAndre Carter, signed earlier this offseason by the Browns.
The Browns officially revealed jersey numbers for their rookie class and free-agent signings, including:
- Shedeur Sanders – No. 12
- Mason Graham (1st-round pick) – No. 94
- Dillon Gabriel (fellow rookie QB) – No. 5
While numbers may still shift before the season kicks off, No. 12 is the number Sanders will wear to start his pro career. And given his poise, talent, and determination, fans are eager to see what he can do with it.
Browns’ Quarterback Room: Crowded, But Unsettled
The Browns’ quarterback depth chart is as intriguing as it is uncertain. Deshaun Watson is recovering from a re-ruptured Achilles tendon, his second surgery in less than a year, and his Week 1 status remains up in the air.
In a flurry of offseason moves, Cleveland traded for Kenny Pickett, re-signed veteran Joe Flacco, and drafted both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders—making it a five-man competition that could go down to the wire during training camp.
There’s no clear frontrunner for the starting spot, and with Watson’s health in question, Shedeur could have a real shot at climbing the depth chart faster than expected. His father’s mentorship, leadership skills, and dual-threat capabilities make him one of the most intriguing rookie QBs to watch in 2025.
A Symbolic Shift: No. 12 for a New Era
Wearing No. 12, a jersey number that’s been donned by legends like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, might feel like a nod to greatness—or a challenge Sanders is ready to take on. While it’s unclear whether he’ll keep the number all season, fans are already hyped about what “No. 12 Sanders” could bring to the Dawg Pound.
Whether Sanders becomes the Browns’ breakout rookie or spends time learning behind the vets, his underdog story is now fueling his fire. And Browns fans love a player with something to prove.
