Shedeur Sanders’ NFL journey has started with ups and downs, and the high expectations after the draft have not been met. His two preseason games showed contrasting results but also raised concerning signs about his development, and public opinion on the quarterback has never been more negative.
Even the most optimistic Cleveland Browns fans admit the franchise is right to label Sanders as a player not yet ready for the challenge of being an NFL starter. This leaves his future in the league just as uncertain as it was when he was drafted in the fifth round.
Was Drafting Shedeur Sanders a Mistake By the Browns?
The consensus around Sanders in the NFL today looks nothing like what was said at the start of the draft process. Once projected as a potential top pick, Sanders is now seen by many as an afterthought before even getting a real chance in the regular season.
His performance against the Los Angeles Rams raised alarms. Once again, he seemed unable to handle NFL pressure and often put himself in bad situations. Nick Pedone and Daryl Ruiter discussed Sanders’ readiness for the pro level on “92.3 The Fan.”
“He’s not ready. I know you don’t want to hear that, but that’s the answer. Dillon Gabriel looks more ready to play than Shedeur Sanders does,” Ruiter said.
.@RamsNFL close in and notch their 5th sack of the day
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Against the Rams, Sanders completed only three of six passes for 14 yards. But beyond the box score, what stood out was his poor pocket presence, creating pressure even on plays with solid protection.
Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel went 12 of 19 for 129 yards and a touchdown, building on his second preseason game performance but this time avoiding turnovers. Beyond the on-field contrast, Sanders also brings extra off-field distractions into the equation.
Pedone raised the issue of which quarterbacks the Browns will carry, since the initial plan has Joe Flacco as the starter, Kenny Pickett as a more reliable veteran than Sanders, and Gabriel showing more promise in preseason action. GM Andrew Berry has said all four could make the roster, but Pedone argued that it is not a good move.
“Because the NFL, everybody says at least that it’s a copycat league and that the smart teams will copy things from other teams. Not us, though. Not here. We try to be the ones that set the trends for whatever reason. And it really seems like they’re going to carry all four of these guys come roster cuts,” Pedone said.
Reaction to Sanders’ outing has been overwhelmingly negative, with criticism of the coaching staff’s game plan and frustration from fans over his poor play. It’s a no-win situation, as cutting him could spark immediate backlash in the media, even if it makes sense in the long run.
Cleveland has backed itself into a corner where a tough decision is inevitable: Whether to cut or keep their quarterbacks. With the season fast approaching, at least Flacco is locked in as the starter, and the focus will soon shift elsewhere.
