Browns Shake Up Jersey Numbers: Why Shedeur Sanders Is Claiming No. 12 and What This Means for DeAndre Carter’s Identity

Shedeur Sanders is stepping onto the NFL stage this fall donning a jersey number that’s a bit different from what fans have come to know—and honestly, it’s a story worth unpacking. The talented QB, fresh off his collegiate days at Colorado, won’t be rocking his trademark No. 2 with the Cleveland Browns like he did for years. Instead, he’s set to wear No. 12, a shift forced by team dynamics and jersey legacies. It’s not every day you see a freshly drafted player forced to switch numbers, especially when his old number was so iconic it got retired by his college. The Browns unveiled their newcomer numbers this week, and as it turns out, seasoned wideout DeAndre Carter—fresh from the Bears’ practice squad—already claimed the No. 2. The rookie’s journey from a surprising draft slide to carving out his spot wearing No. 12 alongside veterans like Deshaun Watson and Joe Flacco sets the scene for an intriguing rookie minicamp this weekend. There’s a layer of narrative, emotion, and raw anticipation in this number swap, one that might just fuel Sanders’ first NFL chapter. LEARN MORE

Shedeur Sanders missed out on his signature jersey number and will wear No. 12 to start his professional career with the Cleveland Browns this fall.The Browns noted the rookies “will be rocking these [numbers] throughout camp and are subject to change before the season.”

AdvertisementWhile Sanders has worn the deuce his whole career, No. 2 landed with ninth-year wide receiver DeAndre Carter, who arrived in Cleveland this year after a one-year stint on the Chicago Bears practice squad. Carter, whose seniority likely factored in his number selection, has also worn Nos. 1, 3, 11, 14, 16, 19 and 82 throughout his career.

AdvertisementFans will get a first glimpse at Sanders with his new number when the Browns hold their rookie minicamp from Friday-Sunday. Sanders and fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who will wear No. 5, join veterans Deshaun Watson and Joe Flacco on Cleveland’s depth chart.On Tuesday,retired at Colorado alongside Travis Hunter’s No. 12 before a spring game in April.