What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders If He Goes Undrafted? Career Options Explored

The 2025 NFL Draft was supposed to be Shedeur Sanders’ crowning moment — the payoff for years of hard work. He was hyped for his potential, and the expectations were high. Instead, everything quickly spiraled into a nightmare. Once projected as a potential top-three pick. And let us not forget his family legacy. Fans were expecting him to walk the same path as his Hall of Fame father, but Sanders has shockingly slid completely off the radar heading into Day 3. Despite early buzz linking him to quarterback-needy teams like the Giants and Saints, he remains undrafted, leaving scouts, fans, and even Sanders himself wondering: what’s next?

The reaction to Sanders’ freefall has been immediate and loud. President Donald Trump even weighed in, posting on social media. He expressed his disappointment and called the teams “stupid” for not selecting Shedeur. Fans and Shedeur’s peers flooded social media with their own frustrations. Adrian Amos wrote on X, “The league trolling at this point, lol.” Former running back Philip Lindsay said, “This is sad man…. This man is a d— good QB, and now you’re punishing him, trying to embarrass him… sick stuff!”!. Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker said, “I got to say, Shedeur not being picked yet is strange.” Echoing every fan’s thoughts.

Despite the online frustration, the reality is harsh: if Sanders goes undrafted, his road to professional football will look much different than he once envisioned. But the road is long, and Shedeur’s journey has just begun. What are the other options that he could explore?

What are Shedeur Sanders’ career options if he goes undrafted in the NFL?

If Sanders isn’t selected, he will immediately become an undrafted free agent, which gives him the freedom to sign with any team willing to take a chance on him. It’s not the path that Sander visualized, but it’s a great second option, and plenty of undrafted players, like Warren Moon, have gone on to have long, successful NFL careers. Moon went undrafted in 1978 and spent the first six seasons of his professional career in Canada, playing with the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL.

Another option? Just like Moon did, Sanders can also head north because the Canadian Football League has long been a place where quarterbacks refine their skills before getting another NFL shot. Sanders could sign with a CFL team, get real game reps, and rebuild his reputation outside the NFL spotlight.

There’s also the media route. Sanders’ personality, name recognition, and football background make him a strong candidate to become a sports analyst or commentator. With his father, Deion Sanders, already a media powerhouse, Shedeur could easily land a TV gig if he wanted one.

Could Shedeur Sanders play in the CFL, XFL, or USFL if he is not drafted?

Absolutely, as discussed above, the CFL is the most established option, and its season timing allows players to jump back into NFL training camps if an opportunity comes up. This kind of flexibility sure is a boon to NFL aspirants. Teams like the Toronto Argonauts or BC Lions could potentially select Sanders.

The XFL and USFL, now known under the UFL banner after the merger, could also be a great option. These leagues offer spring football in the U.S., and players have used them as stepping stones to the NFL. Sanders would instantly become one of the most marketable and cherished players in either league, which could also elevate him financially while keeping his NFL hopes alive.

How could Shedeur Sanders use his sports background and family ties after college football?

If football opportunities don’t pan out the way he hopes, Sanders’ future is still bright because of his sports pedigree and media presence. He could easily transition into roles off the field. He could consider starting a podcast, similar to many former athletes and NFL aspirants, where he can contribute his commentary and valuable insights.

Another option is joining networks like ESPN or FS1 or even creating his own QB academy, where he can coach young athletes; the options are wide open. His last name carries weight, and his experience at Colorado, where he was a high-profile figure every week, means he’s already used to the spotlight. Plus, with Deion Sanders’ massive influence in both sports and business, Shedeur would have plenty of support and guidance to build a successful second career.

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