Shedeur Sanders visiting Steelers before 2025 NFL Draft in curious move

New York Post - Apr 9th, 2025

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Shedeur Sanders, Colorado's standout quarterback, is making strategic moves by meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite their No. 21 pick slot, far from his expected top-five selection. This unexpected meeting has fueled speculation about potential draft-day trades or shifts, especially since the Giants, previously seen as a strong contender for Sanders at No. 3, have now signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. With Sanders projected to go No. 9 to the Saints by ESPN's Mel Kiper, the draft landscape remains unpredictable, and the Steelers are considering their next move as they await a decision from free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has been in talks with Pittsburgh.

The uncertainty surrounding Sanders' draft position highlights the strategic maneuvering typical of NFL drafts. His father, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, advises him to focus on direct conversations with decision-makers rather than media speculation. Shedeur Sanders has had a stellar college career, amassing impressive stats and contributing significantly to his team's success, such as assisting teammate Travis Hunter's Heisman win. The implications of his draft placement could influence team strategies and quarterback lineups across the league, particularly impacting teams like the Steelers, who are evaluating their quarterback options amid ongoing negotiations with Aaron Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers Deion Sanders New York Giants Shedeur Sanders New Orleans Saints Russell Wilson Pittsburgh Steelers Jameis Winston Nfl Draft 2025 Mel Kiper

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers the intriguing topic of Shedeur Sanders' potential draft position and the Pittsburgh Steelers' strategies, providing a timely and engaging narrative for NFL enthusiasts. It is well-structured and clear, with a focus on current sports events that hold public interest. However, the article relies on speculative elements, particularly concerning team strategies and player movements, which are not fully substantiated by direct sources or detailed evidence. This affects its accuracy and transparency, as the story could benefit from more direct citations and a broader range of perspectives. Despite these limitations, the article succeeds in capturing the excitement and uncertainty surrounding the NFL Draft, making it a compelling read for its target audience.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports that Shedeur Sanders, a Colorado quarterback, is meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which is supported by multiple sources. It also correctly identifies the Steelers' draft position at No. 21. However, there are speculative elements regarding Sanders' draft stock and the potential interest of the Steelers in trading up, which are not definitively verified. The mention of Aaron Rodgers' potential move to the Steelers is consistent with ongoing discussions, but lacks specific details on the timeline. The story's accuracy is bolstered by Sanders' college performance statistics, which are factual and verifiable.

Balance

The article presents a primarily NFL-centric perspective, focusing heavily on the draft prospects of Shedeur Sanders and the Steelers' potential strategies. It provides insights from Deion Sanders, adding a personal viewpoint. However, it lacks perspectives from other teams potentially interested in Sanders, such as the Giants or Saints, which could offer a more balanced view of his draft prospects. The focus on the Steelers' interest might overshadow other narratives, creating an imbalance in perspective.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It effectively outlines the key points regarding Shedeur Sanders' draft prospects and the Steelers' potential strategies. The language is accessible and free of jargon, making it easy for readers to understand. However, the speculative nature of some claims could lead to confusion without further clarification or substantiation.

Source quality

The article references reputable sources such as the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and ESPN's Mel Kiper, which enhances its credibility. However, it does not directly quote these sources, and there is a reliance on unnamed sources for some speculative elements, such as the Steelers' draft intentions. The inclusion of Deion Sanders' comments provides a credible firsthand perspective, though the article would benefit from a broader range of sourced voices, particularly from other teams involved in the draft.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its sourcing, as it does not explicitly cite or link to its primary sources. While it provides some context on Shedeur Sanders' draft prospects, it does not fully disclose the basis for its speculative claims about team strategies or the potential impact of Aaron Rodgers' decision. The absence of detailed methodology or evidence supporting these claims limits the transparency of the reporting.