Raheim Sanders

Career StatsD+

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		4	92	1	3.4
2025		4	92	1	3.4

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Cleveland Browns struck gold with Raheim Sanders, locking up the running back for just $1M per year over three seasons — an absolute steal that earns an A+ CVI. While Sanders profiles as a rotational player rather than a featured back, securing that level of production for barely above veteran minimum is exceptional value in today's inflated market. The contract structure heavily favors Cleveland with only $100K guaranteed, creating virtually zero financial risk while providing three years of cost-controlled depth. Sanders gives the Browns a reliable third-down option and change-of-pace threat without forcing them into any long-term commitment, and at this price point, even modest contributions represent tremendous return on investment. This is exactly the type of shrewd roster building that allows teams to allocate premium dollars to impact positions while maintaining quality depth throughout the lineup.

Performance Analysis

At 23 years old and one NFL season into his career, Raheim Sanders grades out as a below-average contributor at the running back position — a player who has not yet translated his developmental upside into consistent on-field production. His receiving work represents the lone statistical foothold in the data, with 21 receiving yards across four games offering a glimpse of involvement in the passing game without signaling any kind of established role. The problem is volume: four games of action and a stat line this thin place him squarely in roster-filler territory, and a D+ performance grade reflects a player who has yet to make a compelling case for expanded snaps. Sanders does carry a genuine narrative hook — his first NFL touchdown against the Bengals and his "Rocket" nickname have kept his name circulating in local and fantasy football circles in a way that punches above his current production level, and that marketability is a real, if intangible, asset. The mediaFraming around him heading into 2026 is accurately characterized as warm and curiosity-driven rather than expectation-laden, which means the burden of proof remains entirely on him — he occupies exactly the kind of prove-it roster spot where one strong preseason or early-season stretch can reshape the conversation entirely. With the Browns sitting at 5-12 and the regular season still 130 days out, Sanders has time to develop, but the Browns' recent offseason signings suggest a front office actively adding competition at multiple roster layers, which only raises the stakes for what amounts to his true breakout opportunity.

Current Sentiment

Raheim 'Rocket' Sanders enters the 2026 season as an intriguing developmental name on the Cleveland Browns' depth chart, having generated a modest but genuine buzz following his first NFL touchdown against the Bengals in the 2025 campaign. The rookie running back's local-hero narrative — stemming from his Rockledge High roots and his memorable nickname — has given media outlets a compelling human-interest hook that keeps his name circulating beyond pure football analysis. His inclusion in fantasy football start/sit discussions signals that the broader football community views him as a situationally relevant player rather than a complete afterthought, a meaningful distinction for a player at his experience level. The tone of recent coverage is largely warm and curiosity-driven, with outlets evaluating the Browns' roster ahead of the draft in a way that acknowledges Sanders as part of the conversation rather than dismissing him outright. Heading into 2026, Sanders occupies the classic 'prove-it' position — a young back with upside, a marketable identity, and just enough on-field production to keep both coaches and fantasy managers watching closely.