Shedeur Sanders did not win the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback competition, but former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci does not believe Monday’s decision should alter much about the second-year passer’s approach.
Ben DiNucci Tells Shedeur Sanders ‘Nothing Changes’
Cleveland officially named Deshaun Watson its Week 1 starter after an offseason battle that extended through training camp and two preseason games. DiNucci’s advice for Sanders was simple: stay ready.
“Nothing changes for Shedeur,” DiNucci wrote in an X post.
He followed with three instructions: “Prepare, learn, progress. Be ready when your number is called.”
Nothing changes for Shedeur
Prepare , learn , progress
Be ready when your number is called https://t.co/3r3JmgzzX4
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) August 24, 2026
DiNucci knows something about waiting for quarterback opportunities. The former Cowboys seventh-round pick spent time behind Dak Prescott before injuries forced him into action as a rookie in 2020, including one start for Dallas.
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For Sanders, patience could now become just as important.
Head coach Todd Monken said Cleveland evaluated the “full body of work” before selecting Watson. The Browns split first-team opportunities throughout camp, gave each quarterback a preseason start, and also rotated them during joint practices with Buffalo.
Monken said Watson ultimately gave Cleveland “the best chance to move the ball and score points” in the team announcement.
Perhaps more importantly for Sanders, Reuters reported that Monken does not view the decision as a week-to-week arrangement. Watson will receive an actual opportunity to establish himself rather than immediately facing another competition after one poor performance.
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Sanders Must Stay Ready Behind Deshaun Watson
Sanders did provide Cleveland with something to consider during his preseason start against Buffalo. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while directing an 11-play, 65-yard touchdown drive to open the game.
Watson followed by completing 5 of 12 attempts for 36 yards and an interception in the 31 to 7 loss.
Those numbers were not enough to overcome the broader evaluation. Watson also completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in his preseason start against Chicago, while Sanders went 6 of 11 for 79 yards and an interception in relief.
Sanders still has development ahead after an uneven rookie season. He finished 2025 with a 63.0 PFN QB Impact score, ranking second-worst among qualifying quarterbacks. He threw for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
That makes DiNucci’s message particularly relevant. Sanders no longer controls when his next meaningful opportunity arrives, but he can control whether he is prepared when it does.
