Ravens’ Draft Plans Thwarted: Shedeur Sanders Reportedly Declined Opportunity to Play Behind Lamar Jackson
BALTIMORE – In a revelation that has quickly sent shockwaves through NFL circles, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Baltimore Ravens had serious plans to select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. However, according to league insiders, Sanders made it clear he was not interested in joining the Ravens’ roster — specifically because it would mean spending the foreseeable future as a backup to former MVP Lamar Jackson.
Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, has been one of the most talked-about quarterback prospects in recent years. Known for his arm talent, leadership, and ability to operate an NFL-style offense, Sanders was projected as a mid-round selection with long-term starter potential. Many scouts believed Baltimore would be an ideal landing spot, allowing Sanders to develop behind one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson.
But according to reports, Sanders and his camp had no interest in such a situation. Sources close to the family say the young quarterback is determined to land with a franchise that gives him a clear path to compete for a starting role sooner rather than later.
“Shedeur’s goal is to be a franchise quarterback,” an NFL scout told local media anonymously. “He’s got confidence in his ability and doesn’t want to spend three or four years sitting behind an MVP who’s in the prime of his career. That’s not how he or his camp envision his future.”
The Ravens, meanwhile, appear to have been caught off guard by the stance. Baltimore’s front office reportedly viewed Sanders as an excellent fit for their offense, with head coach John Harbaugh known for developing quarterbacks and offensive coordinator Todd Monken running a system that blends a strong run game with creative passing concepts.
Draft experts argue that while Sanders’ decision is bold, it’s not unprecedented. Quarterbacks and their agents sometimes express preferences before the draft, warning teams that their client won’t sign or will seek to force a trade if selected. This strategy is risky, however, as it can cause players to slide further down the draft board, potentially costing them money and prestige.
For the Ravens, missing out on Sanders meant pivoting to other positions of need. Baltimore still added depth at quarterback later in the draft, but the franchise’s hopes of landing Sanders as a developmental prospect are now officially dead.
The news has sparked a fiery debate among analysts and fans. Some applaud Sanders’ willingness to bet on himself and seek out a starting opportunity. Others argue that he passed up a rare chance to learn behind one of the NFL’s most electric playmakers and be groomed by a stable organization known for competing at a high level every season.
“This is the NFL, not college football,” one Ravens beat reporter wrote in a post-draft column. “There’s value in sitting, learning, and developing in the right system. If Sanders wants to be a starter, there are few better ways to prepare than by holding the clipboard behind Lamar Jackson for a couple of seasons.”
Still, the saga has added another layer of intrigue to Shedeur Sanders’ young career. Wherever he lands, the pressure will be immense. Teams will be watching closely to see whether his decision to bypass Baltimore leads to early success — or if it becomes a cautionary tale for future draft prospects.
For now, Ravens fans are left to wonder what might have been, while Shedeur Sanders looks ahead to a future that he hopes will put him under center — not on the bench.
