Browns’ GM Andrew Berry’s reaction to drafting Sheduer Sanders at 144 goes viral – “Owner needed that money”

Browns general manager Andrew Berry didn't look too thrilled with drafting Shedeur Sanders, as the roster already had three veterans and a rookie quarterback.

Browns’ GM Andrew Berry’s reaction to drafting Sheduer Sanders at 144 goes viral – “Owner needed that money”

Andrew Berry and Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

Shedeur Sanders’ draft day misery ended after the Cleveland Browns drafted him in the fifth round on day 3. General manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski took turns congratulating Sanders.

However, were they really happy with drafting Sanders 144th overall? Video footage of the Browns’ war room went viral after Sanders received the call.

The 23-year-old, with brother and fellow draft prospect Shilo, live-streamed the call on Twitch. Shilo was jubilant to see his younger brother finally become an NFL player. There was a sense of relief on Sanders’ face that the two-day agony ended.

Shortly after, analyst Warren Sharpe’s X handle shared a video from the Browns camp. The Browns locked in Sanders, but the excitement of selecting the 2024 FBS leader in pass completions (74%) and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year wasn’t on either Andrew Berry’s or Kevin Stefanski’s faces.

NFL Internet speculated whether Berry and Stefanski were forced to draft Shedeur Sanders

Sanders didn’t show off his skills at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this year. But Colorado, head coach and his father, Deion Sanders, had a chat with Browns’ owner Jimmy Haslam. Coach Prime assured that either his son or Travis Hunter would be playing in Cleveland.

Browns' GM Andrew Berry's reaction to drafting Sheduer Sanders at 144 goes viral Owner needed that money
Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

Hunter joined the Jacksonville Jaguars after the Browns traded their second overall pick to the AFC South franchise. Berry and Stefanski passed on several chances of drafting Sanders in the late rounds. Then came an even bigger surprise. They drafted Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round, 94th overall.

Skip Bayless couldn’t believe his eyes and ears while Stephen A. Smith churned out various theories about teams passing on Sanders.

On day 3, the Browns traded up 22 spots by sending a sixth-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks (192nd pick)—from 166th pick to 144th—and drafted Shedeur Sanders.

The Browns now have five quarterbacks in their locker room. Deshaun Watson has been in Cleveland the longest, followed by veteran Joe Flacco, who signed a one-year contract; Super Bowl LIX winner Kenny Pickett; Gabriel; and now Sanders.

NFL fans on X speculated that Berry and Stefanski drafted Sanders against their will. The Browns are building a new stadium just outside of downtown Cleveland and need a ton of money. Sanders has a massive following. Celebrities flocked to Colorado to watch him play. By drafting Sanders, the Browns might be able to divert a fraction of that attention to Cleveland and raise a generous revenue.

No matter how social media views the situation, Berry and the Browns saw an opportunity to take a quality quarterback and took him.

We live by our board. We felt like he was a good, solid prospect at the most important position. We felt like it got to a point where he was probably mis-priced relative to the relative. The acquisition cost was pretty light and it’s a guy that we think can out-produce his draft slot.

Andrew Berry said at the Browns press conference via Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot

The reporters asked whether the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm winner will get any special preference.

Our expectation is for him to come in here and work and compete. Nothing’s been promised, nothing will be given.

Andrew Berry said

Cabot also spoke with Sanders after his selection.

Nothing really affected me the last couple of days. I’m blessed. I know I have to clean up some things in my game. The main thing is proving Stefanski and Mr. Berry right about picking me… I’m going to fit in [with the Browns] perfectly.

Shedeur Sanders said

The Browns have a problem on their hands. It’s a good problem. Watson isn’t in the mix for now as the starter due to his injury. Flacco will most likely be given the job ahead of Pickett, with Gabriel and Sanders fighting to get picked in the final 53-man roster.

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