Cam Newton takes aim at Shedeur Sanders as rookie QB faces growing Browns controversy

Shedeur Sanders has found himself in the eye of a storm just two weeks into his NFL career. Ahead of the Browns’ clash with the Ravens, Adam Schefter reported that Sanders discouraged Baltimore from drafting him, not wanting to share a quarterback room with Lamar Jackson. That choice, which altered the Ravens’ draft board and landed him in Cleveland instead, has ignited a wave of criticism—none sharper than Cam Newton’s pointed take.

Cam Newton says Sanders ignored priceless chance to learn

Speaking on ESPN, Newton didn’t mince words about the situation. He argued that Sanders turned down a golden opportunity to learn behind a quarterback who has already redefined the position. “Imagine being able to sit behind Lamar Jackson,” Newton said. “He’s a two-time MVP, arguably the best player in football. That’s the situation most young quarterbacks dream about.”

Newton, who once walked the same rookie-to-MVP path, made it clear that patience and humility are often the missing ingredients for long-term success.

To him, Sanders’ decision looked more like short-sightedness than strategy.

Browns leave rookie QB buried on depth chart

If Baltimore was a missed chance, Cleveland hasn’t offered a clear path to the field either. Sanders sits third on the depth chart behind veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel. He was inactive against the Ravens in Week 2, watching from the sideline as his team suffered a lopsided defeat. For now, the Browns appear content to let their young quarterback bide his time.

Sanders brushes off past as criticism intensifies

Since Schefter’s revelation, the scrutiny has only mounted. Former players and analysts alike have questioned Sanders’ readiness to embrace the grind of learning before leading. After the Ravens’ 41-17 drubbing of the Browns, Sanders brushed off the controversy. “Whatever happened in the past, it is what it is,” he told reporters, offering no direct denial or confirmation.But in the high-stakes world of the NFL, where perception often shapes opportunity, silence hasn’t eased the doubts. For now, Sanders remains a talented prospect stuck between expectations and reality—with Cam Newton’s words serving as a harsh reminder of what might have been.Also read: "Still not real football": Former NFL QB Kurt Benkert slams Eagles’ Tush Push despite 20-17 win over Chiefs