Toronto Argonauts remove Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders from CFL negotiation list

The Toronto Argonauts no longer own the CFL rights to controversial NFL quarterback Sheader Sanders, removing him from their exclusive negotiating list on Friday.

Sanders was added to the list back in Aprilafter falling in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft due to concerns about his arm strength, attitude and celebrity ego. However, he started the last four games for the Cleveland Browns due to injury and is expected to remain at the helm for the rest of the season.

In five NFL starts as a rookie, the 23-year-old has completed 52.2 percent of his passes for 946 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for 74 yards and was a major, although he was sacked 13 times.

Sheader is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and was coached by his father throughout his high school and college career. Nicknamed “Prime Time” for his over-the-top confidence and elite playmaking ability, the elder Sanders received significant media attention after taking over as head coach at the University of Colorado in 2023, which extended to his son.

The Tyler, Texas native completed 74 percent of his passes for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 13 games during his senior season with Buffalo last year. The six-foot-one, 212-pound QB was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and second-team All-American after leading Colorado to a 9-4 record.

In two seasons in Buffalo, Sanders completed 651 of 907 passes (71.8%) for 7,364 yards, 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He was named first team All-Big 12 in 2024 and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation's top junior high cornerback.

Before arriving in Boulder, Sanders played two seasons at Jackson State University, winning the Southwest Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year award and the Deacon Jones Award as the 2022 Historically Black College and University Player of the Year. He won the 2021 Jerry Rice Award as the top FCS freshman.

CFL teams can Claim the rights of up to 45 players via the negotiation list on a first-come, first-served basis, provided they are not eligible for the Canadian or Global Draft and have never played in the league before. These players can be added, traded, or removed from the roster at any time.

Being added to the negotiation list does not mean a player has expressed interest in the CFL, and many are unaware that their rights have been claimed. Players can only forcefully remove them from the roster if the team does not provide them with the minimum contract offer upon their request.

Sanders' CFL rights can now be claimed by any of the other eight franchises if they so choose. Argos still has it negotiation list of rights to his brother Shilohwho is currently a free agent.

The Browns are already eliminated from the playoffs and sit in last place in the AFC North at 3-11. They will host the Buffalo Bills (10-4) on Sunday, December 21st at 1:00 pm EST.