A somewhat normal procedure but at least notable given Sanders’ NFL draft slot and big name
The best-case scenario for the Cleveland Browns is that either Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders proves to be ready to start quickly and take the team’s reins for the foreseeable future. After that, using one of their two first-round picks in 2026 to solve that problem would be the next best option.
For Sanders, the ultra-popular quarterback who fell much further than anyone expected in this year’s NFL draft, the future is a big question mark with a lot of possibilities. Sanders has impressed many in Cleveland already, both on and off the field (except for the speeding tickets), but his future in Cleveland is full of uncertainty.
One thing is now for sure, where Sanders would play football in the CFL if things do not work out in the NFL. Yesterday, it was announced that the Toronto Argonauts have their negotiating rights:
#Browns QB Shedeur Sanders is among the notable names on the CFL negotiation list, with the Toronto #Argonauts holding his negotiating rights https://t.co/VtWuvY3P5Thttps://t.co/VtWuvY3P5T
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 4, 2025
Browns DT Ralph Holley Jr. came over from the CFL, as more and more players go back and forth between professional leagues.
For Sanders, it will be interesting to see what he prioritizes if the NFL doesn’t work out. Already wildly popular, Sanders could decide to become an influencer or, given his passion for working with kids, some kind of school speaker.
For now, Cleveland and Sanders have no plans for him to fail or to even consider the CFL, but at least the young QB knows where he would end up if he goes north of the border.