The Shedeur Sanders slide remains one of the biggest stories of the 2025 NFL Draft. Once projected as a top-two pick in early mock drafts, Sanders ultimately fell to No. 144 overall, where the Cleveland Browns finally called his name.
All 32 teams — including the Las Vegas Raiders, led by the power trio of Tom Brady, Pete Carroll, and John Spytek — passed on Sanders at least once. One NFL executive offered insight into what may have influenced Carroll’s thinking.
Why Pete Carroll Didn’t Stop the Shedeur Sanders Slide
Speaking to the New York Times in a story published May 1 by Mike Sando, an anonymous executive speculated that Carroll’s decision was rooted in loyalty.
“My guess is that Pete doesn’t want to do Geno [Smith] the way Atlanta did [Kirk] Cousins,” the executive said. “Atlanta was able to do that to Cousins because they didn’t have a previous relationship. For Pete, let’s face it: How long is he going to coach that team? Does he really want to start his last chance by alienating the quarterback he just got?”
The executive also hinted that Smith may represent Carroll’s final opportunity to contend. While they didn’t expand on why Carroll’s tenure might be nearing its end, the implication adds another wrinkle to the Raiders’ long-term quarterback plans.
As for Sanders, he now has extra motivation — fuel to prove every team that passed on him, including the Raiders, made a mistake.
Sanders May Get His Shot at Pete Carroll Soon
Now a member of the Cleveland Browns, Sanders joins a crowded quarterback room that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and the uncertain future of Deshaun Watson.
If Sanders climbs the depth chart quickly, he could be rewarded with a high-profile revenge game.
According to the Raiders’ list of future opponents, the Browns will face Las Vegas this season. The full schedule will be released May 14, but the matchup is already one to circle on Sanders’ calendar. A road game in Las Vegas against Pete Carroll, Geno Smith, and Tom Brady in the front office could be a defining moment for the rookie.
The Raiders were widely considered a candidate to take a developmental quarterback behind the 34-year-old Smith. Sanders, taken in the fifth round, would have fit that mold.
Instead, he’ll begin his NFL journey in Cleveland, where proving he belongs may start in Week 1 — but could reach its most dramatic point in Sin City.