Context:

The Pittsburgh Steelers opted not to draft Shedeur Sanders, choosing Will Howard instead, a decision that has raised eyebrows given Sanders' availability at pick No. 144. Former NFL player Chris Canty criticized the Steelers' decision, suggesting it could be a significant mistake if Sanders becomes a star for the division rival Cleveland Browns. Canty emphasized that the Steelers lack a proven starting quarterback, making the decision to pass on Sanders questionable. The choice not to draft Sanders may stem from factors related to his personal or familial background, but its impact on the team's future remains uncertain. If Sanders excels with the Browns, the Steelers' decision may lead to considerable regret among fans and analysts alike.

Dive Deeper:

• The Pittsburgh Steelers chose not to draft Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL draft, opting for quarterback Will Howard instead, despite Sanders being available at pick No. 144.

• Chris Canty, a former NFL player, criticized the Steelers' decision on ESPN radio, suggesting it could be a major blunder if Sanders thrives as a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, a division rival.

• Canty highlighted the lack of a credible starting quarterback on the Steelers' roster, questioning why the team did not seize the opportunity to draft Sanders.

• The Steelers' decision might be influenced by concerns about Sanders' personal or familial aspects, though these reasons are not explicitly detailed.

• If Sanders performs well in Cleveland, the decision not to draft him could lead to significant disappointment among Steelers fans and reflect poorly on Mike Tomlin's tenure.

• Jon Conahan, a journalist with The Sporting News, reported on this controversy and noted the potential ramifications for the Steelers if Sanders becomes a successful quarterback elsewhere.

• The situation remains speculative, with many 'what-ifs' surrounding Sanders' potential impact and the Steelers' future quarterback strategy.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers made an interesting decision by not drafting Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL draft. From the Steelers' perspective, taking a chance on a quarterback made plenty of sense, and they did that with Will Howard.

• However, Howard isn’t Sanders.

• With Sanders falling to the No. 144 pick, there was even more reason to draft him. For whatever reason, Pittsburgh decided to head in a different direction, and as a result, there have been questions about what the team will do at the quarterback position in the near future. 

• Speaking on ESPN radio, former NFL player Chris Canty blasted the Steelers for not selecting Sanders, adding that this could be the biggest mistake during the Mike Tomlin era if he goes to the Cleveland Browns and becomes a star. 

• "Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers don't have a legitimate NFL starting quarterback on their roster, so, it got me to thinking. If Shedeur Sanders starts the majority of the games this season in Cleveland, is not drafting him the biggest mistake in the Mike Tomlin era of Steelers football?" Canty said, according to audio via ESPN Radio.

• "Listen, if the Pittsburgh Steelers passed on Shedeur Sanders and he ends up being the franchise quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, a division rival, that is an absolute embarrassment. That is an embarrassment."

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• There are a lot of ifs in this scenario, but it's something to consider. For the Steelers, however, it was clear that they didn't want to deal with Sanders, whether it be due to his father or him as a player or person.

• Regardless, if he plays well in Cleveland, many Steelers fans will be upset about the decision.