Tom Brady sabotaged Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft prospects ?

The accusation that Tom Brady sabotaged Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft prospects has sparked significant controversy, fueled by claims from sports analyst Skip Bayless. Here’s a breakdown of the situation based on the available information:

1. Shedeur Sanders’ Unexpected Draft Slide
– Once projected as a top-five pick , Sanders fell dramatically to the 144th pick (5th round) in the 2025 NFL Draft, selected by the Cleveland Browns .
– His slide was unprecedented, with five other quarterbacks taken ahead of him, including Cam Ward (1st round, Titans) and Dillon Gabriel (3rd round, Browns) .

2. Skip Bayless’ Accusation Against Tom Brady
– Bayless claimed on social media:
“It is now pretty clear Tom Brady – who mentored Shedeur – told the Raiders NOT to take Shedeur. Duly noted.”.
– The Las Vegas Raiders , where Brady is a minority owner , passed on Sanders multiple times, opting for Geno Smith and other players instead.

3. Brady’s Relationship with Sanders
– Brady had previously mentored Sanders , trained with him in 2020, and praised his work ethic and potential in 2023.
– However, during the draft, the Raiders—allegedly influenced by Brady—ignored Sanders despite their need for a young QB.


4. Possible Reasons Behind Sanders’ Fall
– Character Concerns : Anonymous NFL sources labeled Sanders as “arrogant” and “entitled” after poor pre-draft interviews.
– On-Field Flaws : Scouts questioned his pocket awareness, athleticism, and tendency to hold the ball too long .
– Media Circus : His high-profile persona, tied to his father Deion Sanders , may have deterred some teams.

5. Reactions & Fallout
– Deion Sanders remained supportive, citing faith and resilience .
– Donald Trump even weighed in, calling NFL owners “stupid” for passing on Sanders.
– The Browns , who eventually drafted him, believe he can compete for a starting role.

Conclusion
While Bayless’ claim lacks direct evidence , the Raiders’ repeated snubs—despite Brady’s ties to Sanders—have fueled speculation. Whether Brady actively discouraged the pick remains unconfirmed, but Sanders’ slide appears to stem from a mix of scouting concerns, personality clashes, and perhaps behind-the-scenes politics . Now, the focus shifts to whether Sanders can prove his doubters wrong in Cleveland.