The Cleveland Browns are entering the 2026 season with low expectations. Many around the football world do not view Cleveland as a true contender heading into the new season. A lot of this revolves around the complicated quarterback room featuring Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
Watson appears likely to resume his role as starting quarterback after missing all of 2025. However, it’s also hard to outright dismiss Sanders. He was the most promising player to take snaps under center for Cleveland a year ago. His potential in the NFL is clear to see, as well.
In saying this, Sanders is certainly not without his doubters. There are some around the league that don’t see a starting future for the former fifth-round pick. One former NFL quarterback recently used his platform to raise a red flag about his game.
Ex-NFL QB Warns Browns About Issue with Shedeur Sanders’ Game
Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms appeared on an episode of “Chris Simms Unbuttoned” when the topic of Sanders was brought up.
Simms took the time to point out something that could cause issues for the Browns quarterback in the future.
“That’s why one of my things I’d be worried about with him is he had some tip passes in the game, ‘cause I think because his motion is so deliberate, I think linemen can kind of time it up,” Simms said. Simms did mention that there are advantages to his game that Watson does not offer.
Shedeur Sanders Throwing Motion Causes More Tipped Passes. Per, @CSimmsQB
“That’s why one of my things I’d be worried about with him is he had some tip passes in the game, ‘cause I think because his motion is so deliberate, I think linemen can kind of time it up.”
Mentioned In… https://t.co/eNQEarLmh0 pic.twitter.com/8iZStb7qwF
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) August 18, 2026
Simms did mention that there are advantages to his game that Watson does not offer.
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The Colorado product could use this to potentially win the starting job, despite the aforementioned red flag.
“I would say, watching it, he spins the ball better than Deshaun Watson. The ball pops out of his hand with more power than Deshaun Watson. And I do think he has a more natural feel of the throw,” the former NFL quarterback explained.
Sanders played eight games in 2025 and was the only Browns quarterback to throw for more than 1,000 yards. He tossed 7 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, though.
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He also finished at one of the lowest spots in the QB impact rating in the league, according to PFSN’s in-house metric.
He did make the Pro Bowl in 2025 due to other selected players opting out of the event.
The Browns are still deciding who will get the starting job in 2026. Watson offers experience under center and could be a safer bet to win games.
However, if the Browns want to lean into upside and future success, giving Sanders the reps now could be wise.
