In a stunning development shaking up the NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has shed light on a bombshell lawsuit claiming the NFL is being sued for $100 million over the dramatic fall of Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft. The news has stunned fans and analysts alike, triggering debates over league fairness, player treatment, and the potential legal consequences of what some are calling a “coordinated takedown.”

The Slide That Sparked a Storm

Shedeur Sanders, the talented and outspoken quarterback from the University of Colorado and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was projected by many to be a first- or second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, in a shocking turn of events, he fell all the way to Round 5, Pick No. 144, eventually landing with the Cleveland Browns.

The unexpected slide drew criticism, disbelief, and accusations of bias across social media. Many questioned how a player with Sanders’ stats, leadership, and media attention could fall so far down the draft board—despite his on-field success.

Mayfield Speaks Out: “Something Doesn’t Add Up”

Baker Mayfield, who has faced his own share of scrutiny as a former No. 1 overall pick, addressed the controversy during a recent media appearance. When asked about Sanders’ draft day drop, Mayfield didn’t hold back.

“Shedeur’s fall was hard to watch. The kid’s got talent, swagger, and the numbers to back it up,” Mayfield said. “Now I’m hearing there’s a $100 million lawsuit filed against the league because someone believes it wasn’t just football reasons behind the slide—and honestly, I’m not surprised.”

Mayfield didn’t reveal who exactly filed the lawsuit but emphasized that questions need to be asked about how decisions are made in the NFL Draft process—especially when it involves high-profile athletes with strong personal brands.

Inside the $100 Million Lawsuit

While not filed by Sanders or his family, the lawsuit reportedly comes from an individual claiming the NFL allowed “damaging narratives and misinformation” to circulate unchecked, leading to emotional distress and financial loss—not only for Sanders but also for those who had invested emotionally and financially in his draft success.

The lawsuit alleges:

• Defamation and media slander that affected public perception

• Collusion among NFL teams to allow Sanders to fall in the draft

• Violation of civil rights and fair employment practices

• Antitrust concerns, suggesting manipulation of player value

It seeks $100 million in damages, including compensation for reputational harm and economic fallout.

Public and Player Reactions Erupt Online

The news quickly went viral, with fans, fellow athletes, and pundits weighing in. While some dismissed the lawsuit as “ridiculous,” others said it highlights real issues in the NFL’s draft culture, where image and perception sometimes outweigh talent.

“People don’t want to admit it, but this league still judges players for more than just their ability,” one fan wrote.
“If Baker’s talking about it, you know there’s something to it,” another posted on X.

What’s Next for Sanders and the NFL?

Despite the controversy, Shedeur Sanders has embraced his new role with the Browns, stating he’s ready to prove his doubters wrong.

“I know my worth, and Cleveland will too,” he said shortly after being drafted.

The NFL has yet to comment publicly on the lawsuit, but league sources say the matter is being “taken seriously and under review.”

Final Thoughts

Whether the lawsuit holds up in court remains to be seen—but what’s clear is that the fallout from Shedeur Sanders’ draft slide is far from over. With big names like Baker Mayfield now speaking out, pressure is building on the NFL to address the growing concerns around transparency and fairness in how the league evaluates its rising stars.