The Cleveland Browns may have made headlines by selecting Shedeur Sanders with the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But it’s the Philadelphia Eagles who are getting the praise, for not taking him.
Leading up to the selection, rumors swirled that the Eagles were eyeing Sanders at pick No. 145. The Browns, reportedly concerned, jumped ahead in the draft by trading with Seattle to grab Sanders just one pick earlier. While it’s unclear if Philly truly planned to draft him, the speculation alone has ignited debate.
Analysts Say Eagles “Dodged a Bullet”
According to FanSided’s Christopher Kline, the Eagles “dodged a bullet” by not picking Sanders. Kline argued that while Sanders may have had value as a fifth-round quarterback, bringing him into a locker room fresh off a Super Bowl win could have disrupted the team’s delicate chemistry.
“That locker room has struck a careful balance between established vets and elite up-and-coming talent,” Kline wrote. “There’s no reason to believe Jalen Hurts will decline in the near future.”
With Jalen Hurts firmly established as the Eagles’ starting quarterback, the reigning Super Bowl MVP. It’s clear the team had little immediate need for a developmental QB, even one with Sanders’ star power.
Howie Roseman Keeps the Focus on Philly
When asked about the Eagles’ interest in Sanders, GM Howie Roseman chose not to comment directly. Instead, he focused on the players the Eagles did draft.
“It would be a disservice to the players that we drafted to talk about other teams’ players,” Roseman said. “Obviously, we got enough on our own plate to worry about with the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Given Roseman’s track record, including constructing a roster that just delivered a championship, it’s no surprise that analysts and fans alike trust his judgment.
In the end, while Shedeur Sanders gets a fresh start in Cleveland, the Eagles remain confident in their strategy, sticking with the quarterback they know and continuing to build a team built for long-term success.
Read More: Browns Could Cut Ties With Shedeur Sanders Before Training Camp Begins
