Ravens Snubbed? Sanders Rejects Draft, Gabriel Shines for Browns!
The 2025 NFL Draft saw some unexpected twists, including a reported near-miss between Shedeur Sanders and the Baltimore Ravens. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Ravens were poised to select Sanders in the fifth round, but the quarterback declined, citing concerns about playing time behind entrenched starter Lamar Jackson.
Sanders' decision ultimately led him to the Cleveland Browns, who picked him three selections later. However, even in Cleveland, Sanders faces competition. He began the season as the team's third-string quarterback, trailing veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
Flacco's Return to Baltimore: A Legend's Homecoming
This week's Browns-Ravens game features a compelling storyline: Joe Flacco's return to Baltimore. Flacco, a Ravens legend who led the team to a Super Bowl victory, spent 11 seasons with the franchise. He holds the Ravens' record for most wins by a quarterback and is deeply respected by current players and coaches.
“What an amazing run, and what an era for the Ravens, the ‘Joe Flacco era,’” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “ ... He's iconic, I think, in Baltimore football history. I respect that and admire that and still keep in touch.”
Gabriel vs. Sanders: The Browns' QB Battle
While Flacco currently holds the starting role, the Browns are also evaluating their future at quarterback. Both Sanders and Gabriel impressed during the preseason, but Gabriel's performance in the final game solidified his position as the No. 2 quarterback. Some talent evaluators initially considered Sanders the better prospect, but the Browns now believe Gabriel is the superior player at this stage.
Robert Griffin III weighed in on when we might see Gabriel or Sanders take the field. Flacco, now 40, is one of the oldest starting quarterbacks in the league. If he struggles or the Browns fall out of playoff contention, the team may turn to Gabriel or Sanders to lead the offense.
- Sanders: Initially passed on Ravens due to playing time concerns.
- Flacco: Returns to Baltimore as Browns' starting QB, a Ravens legend.
- Gabriel: Currently ahead of Sanders on the Browns' depth chart.
