The Cleveland Browns continue to evaluate the long-term outlook at quarterback, including the future of Shedeur Sanders. While some fans remain optimistic about Sanders’ ceiling, one analyst cautioned that expectations may be getting ahead of reality.
Sanders started the final seven games of the season, showing flashes of promise but delivering inconsistent results. He finished that stretch with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
The Browns have not committed to Sanders as their starter next season.
“We’re going to do our work on the quarterback market,” Browns GM Andrew Berry said. “It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified. I can’t sit here and tell you today whether the solution for, or the starter in 2026 is internal or external. But it’s something that we’re going to work through over the next several weeks. And quite honestly, the new head coach will also have a lot of input into that as well.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Draws Jacoby Brissett Comparison
Sanders remains one of the most polarizing figures in the Browns’ quarterback conversation. Some believe the former fifth-round pick has shown enough to develop into a capable starter in Cleveland, while others remain unconvinced he has the tools to make a meaningful impact at the NFL level.
FOX Sports analyst Nick Wright falls firmly in the latter camp, cautioning that expectations surrounding Sanders may be overstated. Wright sees Sanders’ ceiling as that of a reliable, long-term backup rather than a franchise quarterback, drawing a comparison to veteran Jacoby Brissett.
“If Shedeur has Jacoby Brissett’s career, that is awesome,” Wright said on his “What’s Wright” show. “That is amazing value as a fifth-round pick, and that would be great for him. It’s surprising how many people see bigger and better than that for him.”
Brissett has carved out a lengthy NFL career as a trusted spot starter and backup, compiling a 20-45 record as a starter. He spent part of the 2022 season with the Browns. Brissett has thrown for 14,766 yards, 76 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions over his career. Most recently, Brissett started 12 games for the Arizona Cardinals while Kyler Murray was injured.
Shedeur Sanders Not Worried About Browns’ Decision
Sanders’ future will be a popular topic this offseason as the Browns weigh what to do with their No. 6 overall pick. But Sanders is not putting too much energy into worrying about the situation.
“I think I did what I was able to do, and I definitely grew from a lot of things, and I got experience now,” Sanders said. “So, I’m always the same, confidence-wise, I’m there. But like, that’s not in my hands. Like, that’s not my decision. I can’t speak on what other people feel.”
Sanders took a winding route to the starting role after falling to the fifth round. But he’s thankful for the journey.
“I’d say I’m truly thankful,” Sanders said. “I’m thankful that I was able to come here. I’m thankful that I do have the relationship with all the coaches. I’m thankful that just being evolving from Day 1, evolving from being a hungry dawg to now, it’s exciting and sometimes I think about those days. So I don’t take anything for granted. I think overall the communication with the coaches and everything’s been really good, and I’m just thankful to just be here in general.”
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