Shedeur Sanders' Top NFL Draft Landing Spots After Russell Wilson's Giants Contract

The New York Giants have signed quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal, and he'll join forces with another veteran signal-caller who inked a one-year contract in Jameis Winston.

One of the questions resulting from this move is where Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders could now land in the draft.

The Giants, on paper, seemed potential spot at No. 3 overall. New York still needs a long-term quarterback, and in theory, Sanders could still go there.

But it also doesn't seem like a prudent move to select a quarterback at No. 3 overall and them make him a third-stringer behind two veterans.

Plus, the Giants are clearly in win-now mode. Giants owner John Mara, when discussing his decision in January to retain general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll after a 3-14 season (year three of this leadership regime), said he had "just about run out of patience."

Simply put, using a No. 3 pick on a player who isn't likely to have any significant role in next season isn't going to help that matter. The Giants, therefore, could be best-deserved taking one of this draft's top two blue-chip prospects in edge-rusher Abdul Carter or wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.

As of this moment, the signs are pointing toward the Tennessee Titans standing pat at No. 1 and taking Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

With all this in mind, here's a look at the top three potential landing spots for Sanders at this point.

Cleveland Browns (No. 2)

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The Cleveland Browns pick after the Tennessee Titans and have no long-term solution at quarterback on the roster. Cleveland needs to move on from the failed Deshaun Watson era, and he will not be ready in time for the 2025 season as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

The Browns' current top option is Kenny Pickett, who didn't work out as the Pittsburgh Steelers' starter but impressed as the Philadelphia Eagles' backup last year. Perhaps he enjoys more success in Cleveland, but the Browns need more options.

Sanders should be sitting right there at No. 2 for the Browns. Cleveland could, in theory, take either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter and instead look for a QB later in the draft. If so, a few other teams could be ready to take Sanders.

New Orleans Saints (No. 9)

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The New Orleans Saints have committed to veteran quarterback Derek Carr for the 2025 season. Carr is under contract for two more seasons, although the Saints could save $50 million on the cap if they release him before 2026 and designate him as a post-June 1 cut.

If New Orleans wants to build a bridge toward the future, they can take Sanders as the heir apparent to Carr.

The Saints ultimately have a lot of building to do as a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since 2020. New Orleans also just finished 5-12 after a 2-0 start, and that's the worst record the team has had since 2005 (3-13).

Adding Sanders as a building block could be an answer as the Saints search for brighter days.

Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 21)

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The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterbacks from last year, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, have moved onto the New York Giants and Jets in free agency, respectively.

At this point, Pittsburgh seems like the most likely destination for Aaron Rodgers, who's still mulling his options. But nothing is set in stone yet even after what's seemed like an interminable wait for his answer. The two sides did have a positive six-hour visit last week, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Even if Rodgers decides to go to Pittsburgh, it's unclear how much time he has left in the league at 41 years old. In other words, the Steelers still need a long-term option.

Enter Sanders, who could be that answer. He could conceivably sit and learn behind Rodgers for a year before taking the reins in 2026. Or, if Rodgers doesn't work out, the Steelers could start their new era right away and hope he can stop the three-year QB carousel the team has experienced since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement.