Story perspectives

Browns' Shedeur Sanders Starts Seven, Faces 2026 QB Battle

5/16/2026

Summary

Sanders Steps In

The Browns drafted quarterback Shedeur Sanders 144th in the 2025 NFL Draft, and after Joe Flacco’s trade before Week 6 he rose to backup and debuted in Week 11 following Dillon Gabriel’s concussion.
Sanders started seven games, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions as Cleveland went 3-4.
In 2026, Sanders will compete with Deshaun Watson, Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green for the quarterback job, with Watson favored.

Summary

Sanders Defends Son

Deion Sanders (former Hall of Famer) broke his silence on Thursday’s Barbershop podcast, confronting criticism of his son.
He labeled pre-draft rumors “ignorant” lies and rejected claims Shedeur Sanders attended meetings with headphones.
Sanders said Shedeur Sanders’s slide to a Day 3, fifth-round pick stemmed from misinformation, not performance.
He emphasized that diligent preparation made starting seven games possible, which he described as a survival story.

Summary

Monken Installs

Todd Monken, the Browns’ head coach, installed a Ravens-style offense and shifted practice to timing, rhythm and decision-making, favoring consistency over flash.
The Browns have quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green, with Watson missing all of 2025 after re-tearing his Achilles.
Monken’s reputation hinges on finding a quarterback to run his system for a 17-game season, as Cleveland has made only three playoffs since 2000.

History

Historical Context

When the Browns returned as an expansion franchise in 1999, they used the first overall pick on quarterback Tim Couch, who later guided the team to a 9-7 playoff season in 2002 before injuries derailed his career. The 2025 selection of Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round continues the pattern of high-draft hopes meeting limited quarterback success.

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Sanders Steps In

The Browns drafted quarterback Shedeur Sanders 144th in the 2025 NFL Draft, and after Joe Flacco’s trade before Week 6 he rose to backup and debuted in Week 11 following Dillon Gabriel’s concussion.
Sanders started seven games, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions as Cleveland went 3-4.
In 2026, Sanders will compete with Deshaun Watson, Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green for the quarterback job, with Watson favored.

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