Shedeur Sanders entered the NFL offseason with one thought on his mind: to become the Cleveland Browns’ QB1 for the 2026 season. Sanders played for the Browns eight times in his rookie season in 2025, which included seven starts. The former Colorado QB threw for 1,400 passing yards and 7 touchdowns. However, his 10 interceptions cast doubt on his ability to lead the Browns in 2026.
Sanders’ issues paved the way for an intense quarterback competition with veteran Deshaun Watson, who returned from the Achilles tendon injury that forced him to miss the entire 2025 NFL season. While Sanders started off strong during training camp, Watson was the one who finished stronger.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Watson’s strong finish to training camp impressed Todd Monken, leading him to name Watson the starter for the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. The veteran QB impressed by completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards. Sanders got his chance in the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, where he made the most of the opportunity, throwing for 74 passing yards and 1 touchdown.
However, this quarterback competition ended in heartbreak for Sanders when Monken named Watson the Browns’ QB1 for the 2026 NFL season opener. This decision has led to Todd Monken and the Browns receiving an unexpected request regarding Sanders.
Skip Bayless has urged the Browns to trade Sanders to the Atlanta Falcons. The NFL analyst, in a video posted on X, said, “I wish there was some way that Jimmy Haslam and Todd Monken would decide, as we near the season, to get rid of Shedeur, to set him free, to trade him elsewhere. And I’m sure nobody would give anything more than what they gave for Shedeur, a fifth-round pick, sixth round, seventh round. I don’t know. I don’t care. But I’d love to see Shedeur in Atlanta.”
“Do I think Shedeur Sanders this coming football season could win more games than Penix or Tua could win? You better believe that I do. Shedeur Sanders is better than either quarterback that the Atlanta Falcons have right now that they’re trying to decide between,” he added.
The Browns will face the New England Patriots in their final preseason game. Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green are expected to handle the quarterback duties, with Sanders and Watson reported to not play in the game.
Cleveland Browns Essentials
- 5 Best Browns Quarterbacks of All Time
- 5 Best Browns Running Backs of All Time
- 5 Best Browns Wide Receivers of All Time
