Report: Ravens wanted to draft Shedeur before QB nixed pick

The Baltimore Ravens were planning on drafting Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, but the quarterback told the organization he didn't want to sit behind Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Sanders reportedly wanted to avoid being stuck behind Jackson on the depth chart, knowing that he wouldn't have a chance to play anytime soon with the two-time MVP already on the roster. The Colorado product conveyed to the Ravens that he would prefer getting drafted by a team where he could earn the No. 1 quarterback job.

Baltimore ultimately decided to pass on Sanders and selected offensive lineman Carson Vinson with the 141st pick. Just three picks later, the Cleveland Browns took Sanders 144th overall.

The 23-year-old is currently third on Cleveland's quarterback depth chart. He sits behind starter Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who the Browns took in the third round out of Oregon.

Sanders impressed in his preseason debut, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions. However, he missed the team's second preseason contest due to an oblique injury, and struggled in the finale, throwing for just 14 yards while getting sacked five times.

Flacco, 40, won Cleveland's starting job in training camp after signing a one-year deal in the offseason. The veteran will lead the Browns in Week 2 when they take on the Ravens.