Shedeur Sanders is facing significant challenges as the Cleveland Browns' rookie quarterback. After being selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft, he is focused on absorbing the playbook and demonstrating his potential to critics. Despite the pressures, he humorously noted that buying back his jersey number from DeAndre Carter is not a priority due to his modest signing bonus. Sanders is eager to establish himself and make an impression during the rookie minicamp, understanding the hurdles he must overcome.

Shedeur Sanders has officially transitioned to the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, albeit with a change in jersey number. Previously donning No. 2 during his career, Sanders will wear No. 12 in his rookie season, as veteran wide receiver DeAndre Carter claimed No. 2 after signing with the team. Sanders humorously remarked on the affordability of purchasing his favorite number from Carter, noting that his signing bonus was too modest for such a transaction.

Additionally, the significance of jersey numbers this offseason has been noteworthy, with other rookies like Cam Ward receiving historically significant numbers while Sanders will have to adjust to sharing the No. 12 jersey, which was retired at the University of Colorado for both him and teammate Travis Hunter. The evolving landscape of rookie jersey numbers continues to generate buzz as the NFL prepares for the new season.

Shedeur Sanders embarks on his NFL journey donning No. 12 with the Cleveland Browns, as his iconic No. 2 is claimed by veteran DeAndre Carter. Sanders, originally from the University of Colorado, became a fifth-round draft pick after an unexpected slide, following standout seasons at both Jackson State and Colorado. Fans will catch their first glimpse of him in his new number during the Browns' rookie minicamp.

In a twist of fate, Sanders' traditional number was retired alongside fellow Colorado star Travis Hunter, adding a layer of significance to his transition. As he joins a quarterback group featuring Deshaun Watson and Joe Flacco, there is much anticipation surrounding his performance and potential impact.

The Cleveland Browns have announced their jersey numbers for the 2025 season, revealing that rookie Shedeur Sanders will wear No. 12, diverging from his previous No. 2, which has been claimed by newly signed wide receiver DeAndre Carter. Carter's history includes various jersey numbers across different teams, including No. 16 with the Eagles and No. 3 with the Raiders. The distribution of numbers is typical for NFL teams; players often negotiate for numbers that are already taken, which may explain why Sanders opted not to pursue No. 2.

Additionally, the Browns have revealed that first-round pick Mason Graham will sport No. 94, while fellow first-round selection Dillon Gabriel will don No. 5. Notably, these jersey assignments are preliminary and could change prior to the regular season. Veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett will continue to wear No. 8, while Joe Flacco returns to No. 15, marking his previous number with the team.

The NFL offseason has seen a surprising draft slide for Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, initially ranked as the No. 5 player in the draft by Mel Kiper Jr. Unexpectedly, he fell out of the first round, being the sixth quarterback selected, and ultimately landed with the Cleveland Browns as the 144th pick in the fifth round. Sanders selected jersey number 12 for his rookie season since his traditional No. 2 was already claimed by DeAndre Carter, prompting fans to call for the veteran receiver to relinquish it for the young quarterback. The debate over jersey numbers reflects Sanders' legacy aspirations and the buzz he generates as he embarks on his professional journey.