NFL Newcomer with Highest Merchandise Revenue at Risk of Not Making the Squad
Young Quarterback Sanders Faces Job Uncertainty as Browns' Preseason Begins
As the Cleveland Browns prepare for their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders finds himself in a heated competition for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Sanders, the youngest son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was drafted No. 144 overall in the NFL Draft. His impressive performance at Colorado and Jackson State has earned him a fan base, with his personal apparel line, 2Legendary, selling out of gear after the draft. However, he currently sits fourth on the Browns’ quarterback depth chart, indicating that performance alone may not guarantee a spot.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski will have to choose which of the team's five active quarterbacks will make the roster this month. The roster constraints in the NFL mean that even promising rookies or backups must beat out others to stay.
Sanders' fifth-round status could attract teams interested in signing him if he is let go from the Browns. His marketability and jersey sales could also be factors in the decision-making process. Since July 1, Sanders has been a top 10-selling player among all NFL players. Former Houston Texans executive vice president of football operations Jack Easterby suggests that Sanders' popularity could play a role in the Browns' decision.
However, the final roster decision will primarily rest on football merit and roster needs. Coaches evaluate quarterbacks based on talent, production, and potential to contribute during the season. Injuries to starters can temporarily elevate backups or rookies, influencing roster decisions during preseason cuts.
Sanders is trying to dial back his overconfident persona during training camp to focus on his performance on the field. Despite his job uncertainty, he stated that he wants to achieve his goals before his father, Deion Sanders, sees him. Interestingly, Sanders has not invited his famous father to Browns practice fields in Berea, Ohio.
In the end, the decision to keep or cut Sanders will be a balance between football merit—performance, potential, roster strategy—and sometimes marketability when differentiating between similar candidates. While marketability can boost a player’s profile, the final roster decision still rests primarily on football merit and team needs.
[1] "NFL teams rarely keep four quarterbacks on the active roster. This means even promising rookies or backups must beat out others to stay."
[2] "While there is no explicit evidence that jersey sales alone directly determine keeping or cutting a quarterback, teams may factor a player’s marketability and fan interest into decisions, especially for quarterbacks who generate significant hype or media attention."
[3] "Coaches may keep a quarterback with upside or long-term potential over a more established but aging veteran, balancing immediate needs with future planning."
[4] "Injuries to starters can temporarily elevate backups or rookies, influencing roster decisions during preseason cuts."
[5] "For marginal roster candidates, abilities such as playing special teams can improve a player’s chances of making the team."
- "NFL teams rarely keep four quarterbacks on the active roster. This means even promising rookies or backups must beat out others to stay."
- "While there is no explicit evidence that jersey sales alone directly determine keeping or cutting a quarterback, teams may factor a player’s marketability and fan interest into decisions, especially for quarterbacks who generate significant hype or media attention."
- "Coaches may keep a quarterback with upside or long-term potential over a more established but aging veteran, balancing immediate needs with future planning."
