The possibility of rookie Shedeur Sanders wearing the Baltimore Ravens’ purple and black was apparently crushed, but by Sheduer Sanders himself. During the 2025 draft, his representation told the Ravens, “Don’t pick me.” 

That move could hurt his career now, as John Harbaugh, the Ravens’ former coach, seems to have enthralled the Browns. While Harbaugh’s removal is a surprise to many, Jimmy Haslam, the Browns’ owner, now has an opportunity to hire an experienced and proven head coach who could stabilize his team.

But if the deal falls through, what will the dynamics between Sanders and Harbaugh be like?

Sanders refused to wait behind Jackson Lamar and waste his initial years, and ultimately rejected Harbaugh. Would the two prove their professionalism and move past? It is especially a tricky situation given the baggage Sanders comes with for his former head coach.

Kevin Stefanski and the 23-year-old

They had one of the most dramatic media circus runs. While the Browns jumped through four quarterbacks last season, Stefanski was accused of partiality and favoritism by the media for picking Dillon Gabriel over Sheduer Sanders. 

Recently, on 92.3 The Fan, NFL expert Jason Lloyd stated that any coach would think twice before joining the Browns, given the “stupidity” the job comes with, because of Sheduer Sanders.

“Look at everything Kevin went through last year with Shedeur and some of the stupidity and nonsense that was out there. What coach would wanna sign up for that? Particularly when he doesn’t play that well,” he said.

He further claimed that Sanders is not worth that trouble, as he doesn’t even play well.

“Shedeur should not be on this team next year. He's not good enough to be the starter and this organization is not stable and mature enough to have him as a backup... I think he's a really good kid it's just the nonsense that comes with it.”

Haslam is desperate for a change. He even took accountability for the past two seasons and made major promises to the Browns fans.

While he’s also considering an in-house hire by interviewing Jim Schwartz and Tommy Rees- his defense and offense coordinators, respectively- Harbaugh’s resume is much more illustrious.

Sheduer Sanders was firm with his decision and was picked at 144th overall in the fifth round. However, Haslam is driven by the need to win and is rumored even to surpass general manager Andrew Berry. If so, is Sanders’ job in jeopardy?

Will Harbaugh hurt his career, unless the 23-year-old takes a step back?

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das