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Shedeur Sanders
QB · CLE

Shedeur Sanders

Position QB
Team CLE
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Shedeur Sanders

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: CLE.

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: CLE (Cleveland Browns)
  • Draft: 5th round, 144th overall, 2025 NFL Draft
  • College: Colorado

2026 Outlook

Sanders is competing with Deshaun Watson for the Cleveland Browns' starting QB role heading into the 2026 season. His rookie year showed modest on-field production (1,400 yards, 7 TDs, 10 INTs in 7 starts, 3-4 record) after beginning the season as a backup. However, Sanders has distinguished himself off the field as a marketing phenomenon, earning a reported $17.7 million in NFLPA Group Licensing Income in 2025—breaking Tom Brady's previous record of $9.5 million—demonstrating elite brand-building ability for a fifth-round rookie. (per Shedeur Sanders earns reported $17.7 million in licensing income in 2025, breaking Tom Brady's record) As a dynasty sleeper, Sanders represents a non-zero chance at the Browns QB job in 2027 if he wins the 2026 competition and plays at a pedestrian level while the team exceeds expectations—making him a low-cost dynasty acquisition outside the top 25 of rookie drafts (per 12 Deep Dynasty League Sleepers for Fantasy Football: Undervalued Trade and Draft Targets (2026)).

In late March, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam praised Sanders' dedication to NFL preparation, noting Sanders spent most of the offseason in Cleveland working out early and was responsive to the demands of QB play. Haslam said Sanders "got an education in that" (referring to the difficulty of playing NFL QB) but showed signs of responsiveness: "His body looks better...my instincts are he'll come back ready to play" (per Jimmy Haslam says Shedeur Sanders 'got an education' on how to excel in the NFL, and...).

At late May OTAs, the competition with Watson remains deadlocked. OC Travis Switzer said neither QB has pulled ahead, with both splitting first-team reps and making equal progress on Todd Monken's system installation. (per Cleveland Browns News and Rumors May 29, 2026: Nobody Is Ahead, Which Is Somehow Progress)

To address historical WR struggles (0.9 yards per route in 2025—second-lowest in the league), the Browns added receiving targets including Ohio State WR Carnell Tate in the 2026 draft. Todd Monken's offense has historically emphasized vertical passing (8.7 air yards per attempt average with Ravens), positioning any successful Sanders tenure to feature more downfield throws. (per 2026 NFL Draft: 20 ideal team-prospect fits that could actually happen in Round 1)

By early June, Sanders had begun trending upward. NFL insider Cameron Wolfe reported Sanders has impressed the Browns coaching staff over recent weeks at OTAs, with particular praise for his processing and decision-making improvements as he progresses down the field. Wolfe noted sources used the word "aura" to describe Sanders' impact, and HC Todd Monken—who initially wanted a decision before training camp—has pushed back the timeline, possibly due to Sanders' strong work. (per Shedeur Sanders' 'aura' has Browns rethinking QB race as $230m competition heats up)

Monken has publicly stated both Sanders and Watson are "starting-level quarterbacks" and that he "leans one way or the other" with the QBs daily at OTAs. At mandatory minicamp in early June, Monken confirmed the QB competition will "bleed into training camp" rather than being decided by the end of minicamp. Monken said both have "played well enough to earn the right to compete" and that he'll need to see full pads and preseason games before making a final decision. (per Browns HC Todd Monken Not Interested in QB Brendan Sorsby; Latest On Team's QB Competition, Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders QB competition will likely bleed into training camp)

Minicamp reality check (June 10): At the final day of mandatory minicamp, Monken flatly stated: "I'm not going to name a No. 1." Sanders got first-team reps on June 9, while Watson took the second team on the same day, with reps continuing to rotate. Monken emphasized both quarterbacks "functioned at a high level" and that he hasn't seen enough separation to decide. Without pads or live scrimmages, the decision will stretch into and possibly through training camp. While ESPN's Jeremy Fowler views Watson as having the inside track, Sanders' "aura" and strong work continue to keep the job competitive (per Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson? Browns' Todd Monken still undecided at QB).

At mandatory minicamp (June 9-11), the rotation continued through the final day with no breakthrough. Monken said both QBs "played well enough to earn the right to compete" and that he needs to see full pads and preseason games before deciding. Sanders and Watson split first-team reps on the last day, with both described as "starting-level quarterbacks" capable of functioning at a high level in Monken's system. (per NFL 2026 minicamp takeaways: Browns' Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders competition heating up)

Training camp outlook (July 9): As training camp approaches in two weeks, Bleacher Report's James Palmer reports Sanders has "closed the gap" on Watson significantly. Sanders has shown notable improvement in pocket presence and progression reading through OTAs and minicamp. Palmer emphasized Sanders is "making up ground" and improving on fundamentals, while sources indicate the Browns have no intention of trading Sanders despite the quarterback logjam. (per Shedeur Sanders May Have Inside Track in Cleveland Browns' Starting QB Battle, Analyst gives insight into Browns QB battle with training camp next)

Late July prediction (July 14): Yahoo Sports analyst predicts Sanders could win the starting QB job "just a couple of weeks into training camp," noting his strong performance in spring drills and coaching staff's recognition of his improved processing and consistency. The prediction suggests Sanders has genuine momentum heading into mandatory camp (July 28) despite Watson's veteran status and contract commitments. If the prediction materializes, Sanders would inherit a receiver room with KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, and elite TE Harold Fannin Jr. to support his second-year campaign, positioning him as a potential season-long sleeper QB if he wins the job. (per Prediction on Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders could come true just a couple of weeks into training camp)

On June 11, Sanders revealed his approach to the QB battle differs from the typical "competition narrative." When asked about the QB race, Sanders downplayed the "competition" framing, saying: "I think the way how y'all look at things is different than how we look at things. We look at coming to practice every day, being the best player we can be as an individual and as a good teammate. Y'all look at it as like a competition. That's not really nothing I'm just focused on." He emphasized his focus on development: "I'm focused on developing as a player, like doing everything, getting as comfortable as I can in the offense in the scheme and playing with that confidence I had." On June 11, he worked mostly with the second-team offense after receiving first-team reps on June 9, hitting TE Brenden Bates and Blake Whiteheart on passes during the second-team portion (per Cleveland Browns News and Rumors June 11, 2026: The Competition Thing).

QB decision extends into preseason (June 14-15): Per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, Browns HC Todd Monken is holding off naming a starter and will delay the decision into preseason games. Monken wants to evaluate both Sanders and Watson in full-pads practices and game-like settings, with the Browns' first preseason game on August 15 against Chicago. This timeline suggests the QB1 job won't be finalized until late August, just before the regular season. Oyefusi specifically noted that Sanders has appeared "more poised" in Monken's offense as time progressed, with coaches lauding improvements in his footwork and processing—a meaningful development as the competition heads into the pads-on phase (per Why Browns fans will have to be patient with Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson QB competition, Browns QB Shedeur Sanders looks 'more poised' before training camp).

Minicamp rep strategy questioned (June 16): Former Browns LB Emmanuel Acho criticized Monken's approach of splitting first-team reps between Sanders and Watson, arguing the team cannot afford to waste premium practice time if it hasn't committed to a Week 1 starter. Acho's concern: "If Shedeur is not going to start Week 1, then stop wasting first-team reps on him. If Deshaun's not gonna start Week 1, then stop wasting first-team reps on him." Through mandatory minicamp, Watson had superior stats (90 for 133 passing with 13 TDs, 3 INTs) versus Sanders (79 for 113 with 5 TDs, 3 INTs), though Sanders showed late-week momentum and improvement. Monken's balanced rotation suggests genuine uncertainty, but also reflects that the team is not ready to commit to either QB and may see this as live evaluation time rather than wasted practice reps. (per "Stop Giving Him Reps": Todd Monken Receives Bold Advice About Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson From Former Browns Player - Yahoo Sports)

By late minicamp (June 16), Sanders had closed the gap: while Watson maintained early momentum in OTAs, by mandatory minicamp Sanders became "the more consistent quarterback of the two" for most of the three days, giving him momentum heading into training camp. Monken's credit lies in recognizing the competition remains genuinely open rather than forcing a premature decision—both Sanders and Watson functioned well enough to justify continued evaluation in pads. (per Browns minicamp 2026: Key takeaways on offense, defense and the QB race)

As training camp begins (July 25), Sanders continues to gain ground. As of mid-July, NFL insider James Palmer reported Sanders has "closed the gap" significantly on Watson, with the rookie showing improved decision-making and consistency. While Watson remains the "slight favorite," Sanders' momentum heading into camp makes the race genuinely competitive (per Latest NFL News On Where Shedeur Sanders Stands in Cleveland Browns Starting QB Battle).

FOX Sports ranks Sanders as the #2 second-year QB breakout candidate for 2026, conditional on winning the starting job over Watson. Key advantage: if named starter, Sanders will operate under new HC Todd Monken with a significantly upgraded supporting cast. The Browns invested heavily in the offensive line and added two top-40 draft picks at receiver (KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston) to complement existing talent. With better offensive infrastructure than his modest 2025 rookie season (56.6% completion, 1,400 yards, 7 TDs, 10 INTs), Sanders has clear Year 2 breakout potential—but only if he wins the ongoing competition with Watson and Monken's system installation progresses as planned. (per Year 2 Leap: Ranking The Top 5 Second-Year Quarterback Breakout Candidates)

Trade speculation unlikely (July 2026): Despite reports in early offseason that Browns hadn't ruled out trading Sanders if he loses the starting job, recent reporting from Jason La Canfora indicates teams around the league are skeptical the Browns will deal Sanders, even if Watson wins the QB job. Sources believe HC Todd Monken genuinely likes Sanders and prefers to keep him as insurance/backup rather than move him. One NFL GM told La Canfora: "Monken likes this kid. Why would they trade him now?" Another personnel executive added: "I don't think he's going anywhere." Sanders has not added significantly to his trade value since the 5th-round investment (contract is only $4.647M over four years), whereas backup QB Dillon Gabriel would be "far more expendable." This suggests Sanders will remain in Cleveland long-term regardless of Week 1 starter decision, increasing his dynasty appeal as a protected young asset (per Other Teams Skeptical Browns Will Trade Shedeur Sanders).

June 21 update — Gaining ground as competition tightens: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Sanders is "gaining ground quickly" on Watson heading into training camp. While Watson is still viewed as the favorite, Fowler noted sources credited Sanders with decisive play and a "presence" that the coaching staff may have underestimated. The QB battle is expected to extend well into preseason games before a starter is named (per Cleveland Browns 2026 training camp position battle to watch).

June 30 assessment — Watson favored, Sanders competitive: Yahoo Sports' summary of the QB race notes "the momentum appears to be favoring Deshaun Watson" despite Sanders having "closed ground on Watson in the race for the starting job with a strong showing in OTAs and mandatory minicamp." Jeremy Fowler emphasized "Most around the league expect Watson, the veteran, to get this job," though the competition will extend into preseason games. Monken remains undecided and wants to see full-pads practice and preseason action before naming a starter (per Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Gets Bad News on Future).

June 26 update — Work to do on protection and decision-making: Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman noted Sanders has "got to learn to handle pressure better." His rookie numbers tell the story: 3-4 record in 7 starts, 7 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions, and 23 sacks taken. While his talent is evident, Sanders must improve at protecting himself, safeguarding the football, and avoiding collapsing pocket situations. The path to QB1 runs through addressing these pressure-moment fundamentals in training camp and preseason (per Cleveland Browns News and Rumors 6/26/26: Quick Hits, Old Scars, and One Smart Orangutan)

July 11 perspective — Culture fit and focus amid chaos: As the Browns prepare for training camp on July 23, Cleveland's senior director of player development James Cook expressed optimism about Sanders' approach, describing him as "continuously on the rise" and noting his ability to manage distractions. "Just getting settled and life as a pro and all those things. And obviously there's a lot of noise that comes with the person that he is and then the family he's from and all that kind of stuff. But I think he does an outstanding job of keeping the main thing the main thing," Cook told talkSPORT. Cook praised Sanders' intentionality about self-evaluation and his engagement with the organization's player development infrastructure, suggesting organizational confidence in his maturation trajectory despite the ongoing QB competition (per Shedeur Sanders' inner focus revealed as QB 'on rise' leads Browns' youth drive - talkSPORT).

June 23 — Trade speculation and QB depth: Browns have received inquiries about Sanders' availability, with Pro Football Network reporting "talks" and "ongoing calls" from other teams. However, GM Andrew Berry appears unlikely to move Sanders for anything less than a substantial offer (third-round pick or better), and no trade is imminent. The real constraint: the Browns roster four QBs (Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Taylen Green) heading into camp, which is unusually crowded and may require roster moves to provide meaningful reps during training camp and preseason (per Cleveland Browns News and Rumors June 23, 2026: The Waiting Is the Dumbest Part)

Trade rumors underscore a deeper organizational issue: Cleveland's reluctance to invest in QB development. The front office's willingness to explore trading Sanders—despite his 3-4 record showing progress—suggests limited confidence in his long-term fit. Sports Illustrated notes this mirrors the team's failure to develop Dillon Gabriel and extends the franchise's historical pattern of skipping the development process entirely, searching instead for shortcuts (per What Trading Shedeur Sanders Would Say About Browns' Quarterback Position).

Late June training camp preview (June 24): As training camp approaches, the Sanders-Watson competition is expected to extend through August, with Todd Monken reserving judgment until full pads and preseason games provide clearer separation. Sanders has impressed with his processing, decision-making, and poise in spring drills, closing the gap significantly. The winner of this battle determines the trajectory of the Browns' passing game and offensive weapons (receivers, RBs) for 2026. (per Browns Quarterback Competition 2026: Shedeur Sanders And Deshaun Watson Head To Training Camp)

July 4 trade interest from Jets and Dolphins: Following the QB competition's extension into training camp, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins have emerged as the most likely trade landing spots if Cleveland decides to move Sanders. Both teams face QB uncertainty for 2026: the Jets' Geno Smith is aging (35) and underperformed in 2025, while Miami's Malik Willis enters as an unproven starter. Sanders' affordable salary cap hit ($1.005M in 2026, followed by $1.12M in 2027 and $1.235M in 2028) makes him an affordable backup insurance policy or potential starter for either team, with the Dolphins particularly interested in having Sanders compete with Willis for the starting role if Willis struggles early in the season. However, trade remains unlikely unless the Browns fully commit to Watson—most analysts project Sanders remains in Cleveland heading into camp, with the option to trade him becoming available only if he clearly loses the starting competition by mid-August. (per NFL Trade Rumor: New York Jets and Miami Dolphins emerge as top landing spots for $4M Cleveland Browns' rookie)

QB battle outlook (June 30): Sportsnaut's QB competition analysis describes the Sanders-Watson battle as genuinely tight but favors Watson for Week 1 based on veteran experience and ability to function in Todd Monken's system. However, Sanders' trajectory heading into camp—improved processing, better decision-making, and coaching staff recognition—keeps him competitive. The prediction expects Watson to start Week 1 but acknowledges Sanders could win the job and take over within the first two months if he continues his current development trajectory, making it a legitimate mid-season dynamic to watch for fantasy managers. (per NFL Quarterback Battles 2026: Predicting Winners of 5 Starting QB Competitions - Sportsnaut)

Minicamp final verdict (June 24): Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reports Sanders "outplayed Deshaun in mandatory minicamp," marking a significant momentum shift heading into training camp. Cabot characterizes Sanders as an "empirical learner" who needs real, live repetitions to absorb complex concepts, but once they click, "they click hard"—a learning style that explains both his slow start and explosive finish in spring. Head coach Todd Monken deliberately avoided naming a starter to keep the competition open, unwilling to hand Watson the job prematurely. Meanwhile, Watson faces a critical unknown: how will he perform under live pass rush after nearly two years without contact due to Achilles surgeries and shoulder work? Monken understands there's nothing to gain by ending the competition in June when pads-on practice and preseason will provide definitive answers. (per Browns' QB competition remains wide open heading into training camp)

Training camp positioning (June 24-28): Heading into 2026 training camp, Shedeur Sanders has momentum on his side. Sanders was noted as having led first-team drills recently at OTAs and minicamp despite inconsistent production so far. The real evaluation begins once the pads come on—spring football provides no pass rush or live tackling, so the QB competition will shift dramatically when full contact begins. Watson's edge lies in his ability to create off-schedule and absorb the physical side of the position, while Sanders must prove that his spring efficiency holds up against live pressure. Training camp will reveal who can operate an offense when a defensive end is bearing down and the pocket is collapsing. Preseason games will carry more weight than usual, with Monken planning to rotate his top two heavily through August before making a final decision (per Browns Quarterback Competition 2026: Shedeur Sanders And Deshaun Watson Head To Training Camp and 2026 NFL training camp preview: Five storylines to monitor). Watson remains the organizational favorite, but Sanders' rapid development trajectory—from 3-4 record as a rookie to potentially winning a starting job—positions him as a genuine threat.

June 2026 position battle assessment: PFSN's 32-team position battle roundup describes the Browns QB matchup as "the NFL's most unpredictable battle," with Sanders having invested heavily in receiver upgrades (Carnell Tate, denzel Boston) that may unlock his potential if he wins the job. (per 32-team position battles—Cleveland QBs, Seattle RBs to watch)

July 13 analysis — Strong case for Sanders heading into training camp: Yahoo Sports details why Sanders should win the starting job despite Watson's veteran status. Key points: Sanders' 3-4 record in seven 2025 starts masks team success—Cleveland went 3-1 with Sanders as starter after opening 1-11 without him. His Week 14 performance (364 yards, 3 TDs, 1 rushing TD vs. Titans) earned him a Pro Bowl replacement nod and ranks among the best single games by a rookie QB in Browns history. Coaching staff specifically highlighted footwork and processing improvements—the two traits critical to success in Monken's system. Watson's durability after a double Achilles rupture (October 2024 tear, re-rupture during rehab, second surgery within 12 weeks) presents an organizational risk: can Cleveland trust Watson to stay healthy through December? The analytic edge: young QBs only need to break even against fading veterans because organizational investment already points toward the future. Sanders' only requirement is to match Watson's performance, not surpass it significantly. Preseason reps and joint practices (Bills on August 20) will likely prove decisive, with a mid-to-late August decision expected (per Shedeur Sanders Will Be The Browns Starting Quarterback: 3 Reasons The Job Is His To Lose)

Mobility questions re-evaluated (July 4): Former draft scout Daniel Kelly criticized Sanders for being "way too slow," pointing to his 4.68 40-yard dash. However, HC Todd Monken countered the criticism with context: "15 or 20 years ago, they would have said that Shedeur Sanders was athletic...the game's changed so much." Monken acknowledged Sanders isn't as mobile as elite modern QBs like Lamar Jackson but credited him with genuine "knack" and "feel" for playmaking off-schedule. Sanders' rookie rushing stats (169 yards, 1 TD) are minimal, and he remains primarily a pure passer. Head coach Monken believes the mobility question is overblown given the offensive design and Sanders' demonstrated ability to "move around the pocket" and "get himself out of trouble," though teams will continue evaluating his athleticism in live practice and preseason settings (per 'He's Way Too Slow': Shedeur Sanders Gets Harsh Evaluation Amid Browns QB Battle With Deshaun Watson - Yahoo Sports).

July 6 momentum shift — Sanders keeping race alive: Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe's latest Orange and Brown Talk podcast reveals Sanders "really took the bull by the horns" after falling behind Watson in spring OTAs, with his competitive fire and improved performance in Monken's offense keeping the race genuinely alive. By end of mandatory minicamp, Sanders made "real strides" in pre-snap operation, managing protections, and working through progressions—areas that were major concerns coming out of the draft. Cabot noted visible momentum shift toward the finish line: "There's a lot of things that Shedeur seemed to be doing better as the spring went along, and Deshaun kind of faded a little bit towards the end." Watson's accuracy noticeably dipped in final days of mandatory minicamp, with Cabot carefully noting possible fatigue from surgically repaired shoulder. Sanders appeared "more poised" and "more confident" in Monken's system, making him competitive heading into training camp. Monken declined to name a starter, suggesting genuine uncertainty. Per Cabot, Sanders needs two things: faster release and sharper pre-snap decision-making. If he demonstrates these consistently, the opportunity to seize the starting job is "real and present." (per Shedeur Sanders keeps Browns QB race alive heading into training camp)

June 10 reality check — Real competition hasn't started: HC Todd Monken gave a stark assessment: both Sanders and Watson have "played well enough to earn the right to compete," but the actual competition hasn't begun. Through minicamp, the two QBs were working in alternating shifts with the first team rather than genuinely competing against each other. Monken explicitly stated: "Once we get to the fall, we'll have to dissect the reps how we see fit." This means full competition will begin in training camp with pads on, and the decision likely won't be made until after preseason games. Monken expressed hope for a Week 1 decision but acknowledged "in a perfect world, you'd love to have your starting quarterback... I'm not sure we'll be there." For fantasy purposes, Sanders' viability depends on winning a job that won't be decided until late August (per Todd Monken gives troubling update on Browns' quarterback competition)

Trade value minimal (June 30): Pro Football Network analyst Joe DeLeone assessed Sanders' trade market as effectively nonexistent. He stated no team would trade for Sanders unless in "a situation where a team suffers a devastating injury to its starter," and even then unlikely. DeLeone cited Sanders' unproven commodity status and the media distraction that accompanies him as a backup—teams worry about roster noise and sideshow coverage. DeLeone believes it's more likely Sanders steps into Cleveland's starting role at some point in 2026 than being traded away. (per 'Who Is Going To Trade For Shedeur Sanders?' — NFL Analyst Drops Blunt Verdict On Browns QB Amid Growing Speculation)

Sports Illustrated ranks Sanders as a preseason sleeper QB, listed as QB33 in early 2026 rankings. Under new HC Todd Monken's offense, Sanders' intriguing young weapons at receiver (Jerry Jeudy, KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston) and tight end (Harold Fannin Jr.) position him for sleeper value if he wins the starting job. If Sanders can avoid turnovers and function competently, he has upside to trend toward 230+ passing yards per game. The competition with Deshaun Watson heading into training camp will determine his fantasy ceiling. Per SI's AFC North sleeper analysis, the Browns QB starter—whether Sanders or Watson—will benefit from their upgraded receiver core (Jeudy at 1,229 yards in 2024 form, plus rookie additions Concepcion and Boston) and top-5 TE Harold Fannin Jr., making the position a league-winning sleeper if Sanders takes the job. (per The Top Fantasy Football Sleepers in the AFC North Including Shedeur Sanders)

July 9 update — Sanders momentum building; competition wide open: Bleacher Report's James Palmer reported Sanders has "closed the gap" between himself and Watson for the starting QB job. While Watson had an early advantage through minicamp, that edge has eroded. NBC Sports' Kyle Dvorchak noted: "After getting a better look at both players, it sounds like new head coach Todd Monken truly doesn't know who will take the first snap this year. By virtue of not being Deshaun Watson, Sanders has forced a legitimate training camp competition." Monken emphasized both QBs have "played well enough to earn the right to compete." Most around the league still expects Watson to get the job, but Sanders' trajectory and improved play are keeping the race alive heading into training camp and preseason (per Analyst gives insight into Browns QB battle with training camp next).

July 9 skill comparison — Accuracy edge for Sanders: Beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot's deep dive on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast crystallizes the key distinction between the two QBs: Sanders holds a clear accuracy advantage, finding tight windows and delivering with precision into Todd Monken's QB-centric system. Watson counters with elite athleticism and the ability to extend plays off-schedule—a skill set neither QB can fully replicate. The critical unknown: Watson's post-surgery athleticism remains untested in live situations after double Achilles procedures. Cabot frames the dilemma starkly: "If you could morph these two guys together, you would have everything you need in a quarterback." Cleveland's choice will hinge on whether Sanders' accuracy sufficiency outweighs Watson's athletic upside in an injury-recovery unknown (per Shedeur Sanders leads in accuracy, Deshaun Watson in athleticism in Browns QB battle).

July 11 league sentiment shifts toward Sanders: Yahoo Sports analyst Frank Schwab raised a stark warning about Watson winning the Browns' starting job. Schwab noted Watson's off-field past and poor play in Cleveland ("it will be very unpopular if Watson actually wins the Browns' starting job, considering his off-field past and how badly he has played in Cleveland since the Browns traded three first-round picks and more to the Texans for him"). Schwab characterized the team's preparation for Watson to start as "bizarre," suggesting Sanders' stronger on-field performance should dictate the outcome. This sentiment shifts toward Sanders heading into camp: his modest rookie numbers (1,400 yards, 7 TDs, 10 INTs, 68.1 rating in 7 starts) appear more promising than Watson's continued struggles, positioning Sanders as the preferred choice despite Watson's veteran status (per Browns should heed warning amid Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson QB competition).

July 3 receiving room depth: Sports Illustrated's latest analysis notes that while the Browns have drafted unproven receivers (Concepcion, Boston), adding veteran help like Stefon Diggs would stabilize Sanders' environment. Diggs is a free agent still unsigned after a strong 2025 with New England (85 rec, 1,013 yards, 4 TDs). The article positions a potential Diggs signing as beneficial for Sanders—pairing a young QB in a "prove-it" season with an elite veteran route technician who has proven he can work with second-year signal-callers. If Diggs lands in Cleveland, it would significantly upgrade the receiving corps and reduce Sanders' dependence on inexperienced draft picks to establish rhythm (per Who Will Sign Stefon Diggs?: 3 Potential Suitors And Their Fantasy Football Impact).

July 8 self-improvement focus: Yardbarker reported Sanders released a YouTube video emphasizing his goal to "block out the noise" and focus entirely on self-improvement rather than directly competing with Watson. Sanders stated his priority is "improving his own game and becoming the best quarterback he can be," a disciplined mindset heading into training camp. However, NFL analyst Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic identified a critical flaw holding Sanders back: he tends to operate on "Shedeur Sanders time" rather than following team play timing. This tendency created major problems in his rookie year: he took 23 sacks in just 7 games, which projects to 56 sacks over a 17-game season. To win the job, Sanders must fix his footwork, learn to trust the play design, and stop holding the ball too long. Coach Todd Monken emphasized Sanders needs to address these timing and protection issues if he's to seize the starting opportunity. (per Shedeur Sanders sends bold message about NFL future amid Browns QB battle with Deshaun Watson - Yardbarker)

June 25 trade proposal: A Bleacher Report trade proposal envisions a three-team deal sending Sanders to Arizona in exchange for veteran backup Jacoby Brissett and New England's third-round pick, allowing the Browns to bridge the gap until the 2027 draft. The proposal would move Sanders out of Cleveland if he continues losing the Watson competition, though the deal remains speculative and GM Andrew Berry has not signaled willingness to move Sanders for anything less than a substantial offer. (per Browns ship out Shedeur Sanders in proposed trade from Bleacher Report)

Role / Depth Chart

Competing with Deshaun Watson for starting QB role. Started 7 games in rookie season after entering as backup to Flacco and Gabriel. Fantasy relevance depends heavily on whether he wins or loses the quarterback competition before Week 1 against Jacksonville.

Injury Status

Healthy.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Will Shedeur Sanders win the starting QB job for the Browns in 2026, or will he remain a backup to Deshaun Watson?

Sources

Coaches shaping Shedeur's role

Todd MonkenHead CoachTravis SwitzerOffensive CoordinatorDanny BreyerPass Game CoordinatorEphraim BandaPass Game CoordinatorBobby JohnsonAssistant Offensive LineGeorge WarhopOffensive LineMatt BakerAssistant QuarterbacksMike BajakianQuarterbacksSanders DavisOffensive Assistant/Offensive Line

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