Hall of Famer Deion Sanders disappointed as Saints overlooked his personally mentored talent in the 2025 NFL Draft – A decision New Orleans may deeply regret.

Hall of Famer Deion Sanders disappointed as Saints overlooked his personally mentored talent in the 2025 NFL Draft – A decision New Orleans may deeply regret.

New Orleans, Louisiana – October 16, 2025

Before the 2025 season kicked off, the future of Shedeur Sanders – son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders – had already become one of the most talked-about stories in the NFL. But when the Draft concluded, things didn’t go the way Deion had hoped: the New Orleans Saints passed on Shedeur and selected Tyler Shough in the second round instead.

Speaking on the Carr Brothers Show podcast with former Saints quarterback Derek Carr and his brother David Carr, Deion was candid about his feelings:

“I really wanted my son to be on your team, Derek. I know you would’ve taught him how to be a man, how to be a leader. I pictured it clearly in my mind.”

Fate, however, had other plans. The Saints didn’t pick Shedeur, and to make matters worse, Derek Carr unexpectedly announced his retirement in May, just weeks after the Draft. Even if Shedeur had been drafted by New Orleans, he wouldn’t have had the mentor his father envisioned.

Instead, Shedeur had to wait until Round 5, when the Cleveland Browns called his name with the 144th overall pick. In Cleveland, he joined a crowded quarterback room featuring Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillion Gabriel. As of now, Shedeur serves as the backup QB behind Gabriel, while Watson continues to recover from an Achilles injury.

Many Saints fans believe that had Shedeur landed in New Orleans, he would’ve faced fierce competition against Spencer Rattler, the team’s current rising hope. Yet one thing remains clear – Deion Sanders has never hidden his affection for the city of New Orleans.

During Colorado’s Pro Day, Deion famously said: “I like these colors.” Now it’s clear that wasn’t a hint about the Saints’ interest in Shedeur – it was Deion’s own admiration for the black and gold.

“That boy was born to play with fire, and I thought New Orleans was the perfect place for that fire to burn,” Deion said quietly, smiling. “But sometimes, life finds another way to test your child. Maybe God wanted him to learn how to stand tall when no one hands him a chance.”

He paused for a moment, gazing into the distance before adding:

“I’m not sad they didn’t draft him. I’m just sad they couldn’t see the light in his eyes. One day, the whole world will see it clearer than I ever did.”

Perhaps one day, if Shedeur Sanders shines in a Browns uniform, the Saints will look back and wonder – did they let a golden opportunity slip right through their hands?