Shedeur Sanders and Titans Call Off Private Workout: What’s Next for the Quarterback?
In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL scouting community, star quarterback Shedeur Sanders has abruptly canceled his private workout with the Tennessee Titans. The decision, confirmed by team and player representatives on Tuesday, leaves Sanders’ draft prospects uncertain and raises questions about the Titans’ quarterback strategy ahead of the 2024 season.
Behind the Sudden Change of Plans
Sources close to the situation reveal the cancellation came after weeks of preparation, with Sanders having initially scheduled the session as a critical opportunity to showcase his skills. While neither party has disclosed specific reasons, insiders point to several potential factors:
- Draft stock evaluation: Sanders may have received favorable feedback from other teams, making the Titans workout less crucial
- Scheme fit concerns: The Titans’ offensive system might not align with Sanders’ strengths as a pocket-passer with mobility
- Health considerations: The quarterback could be managing minor injuries from his final college season
“Private workouts are like job interviews—sometimes the candidate or employer realizes it’s not the right fit before they meet,” noted ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. “This doesn’t necessarily reflect poorly on either side, but it certainly reshapes the pre-draft narrative.”
Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Projection in Flux
Before the cancellation, most mock drafts projected Sanders as a potential second-round pick, with some analysts suggesting he could sneak into late first-round consideration. His college statistics at Colorado paint the picture of an NFL-ready passer:
- 3,230 passing yards in 2023 (9.1 yards per attempt)
- 27 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions
- 69.3% completion percentage under pressure
However, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah cautions: “The combine and pro days only tell part of the story. Teams put tremendous weight on these private workouts, especially for quarterbacks. Sanders will need to assure teams this cancellation doesn’t reflect commitment concerns.”
Titans’ Quarterback Quandary Deepens
The Titans, holding the #7 overall pick, now face increased uncertainty in their quarterback evaluation process. With incumbent starter Will Levis showing flashes but lacking consistency (58.4% completion rate in 2023), Tennessee had reportedly considered several options:
- Drafting a QB early and developing behind Levis
- Trading up for one of the top three quarterback prospects
- Signing a veteran bridge quarterback in free agency
“This development might push the Titans toward other quarterback evaluations,” suggests Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky. “When a prospect cancels this late in the process, teams often interpret it as disinterest in their program. The scouting department will likely shift focus to other available options.”
Potential Landing Spots for Sanders
Several teams could still show strong interest in the Colorado product, particularly those with later first-round picks or early second-round selections:
- Las Vegas Raiders (#13 pick): Need long-term QB solution after Jimmy Garoppolo’s release
- Minnesota Vikings (#11 pick): Could develop Sanders behind Sam Darnold
- Seattle Seahawks (#16 pick): Geno Smith isn’t getting younger at 33
Sanders’ unique pedigree—as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders—adds another layer to his evaluation. “He’s been preparing for this moment his entire life,” said former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum. “The cancellation might reflect strategic positioning rather than disorganization. Some players and agents prefer to control the evaluation process more carefully.”
What’s Next in the Pre-Draft Process?
With the NFL Draft just weeks away, Sanders’ team will likely focus on:
- Arranging alternative private workouts with interested teams
- Providing medical documentation to alleviate health concerns
- Conducting media appearances to control the narrative
Meanwhile, the Titans have reportedly scheduled additional visits with Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, signaling their continued search for quarterback depth. As one AFC scout noted anonymously: “This time of year, every decision gets magnified. What looks like a setback today might be forgotten tomorrow if Sanders lights up his next workout.”
The Bigger Picture: NFL Draft Strategy in Focus
Sanders’ situation highlights the delicate dance between prospects and teams during draft season. Historical data shows that canceled workouts don’t necessarily doom a player’s prospects:
- In 2020, Justin Jefferson canceled multiple workouts but still became a Pro Bowl receiver
- Patrick Mahomes conducted limited pre-draft visits before Kansas City traded up for him
However, quarterbacks face greater scrutiny. “The position requires complete buy-in from both sides,” explained former NFL QB and current analyst Dan Orlovsky. “Teams want to see how a QB processes information in their system, and QBs want to showcase their skills in favorable environments. When that alignment breaks down, it’s noteworthy.”
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment in Both Careers
While the canceled workout raises short-term questions, Sanders’ talent ensures he’ll remain on NFL radars. For the Titans, the incident may accelerate other roster plans as they build around Will Levis or identify his potential successor. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on where—and how early—Sanders hears his name called.
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