There has been a lot of speculation about the Cleveland Browns quarterback, Shedeur Sanders’ future.
The 24-year-old has recently been linked with a potential exit from Cleveland, as there were reports about the team potentially looking to trade him. However, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero recently weighed in on Sanders’ trade rumors and opened up about where the second-year quarterback’s future lies.
Will Shedeur Sanders Fight for His Future at the Browns?
Despite the speculation, it’s fair to say that Cleveland is unlikely to move Sanders anytime soon. As things stand, he is firmly locked in a battle with teammate Deshaun Watson for the starting job. Even if the team does go for the more experienced option, there’s no reason why the Browns will rush into a trade.
The sentiment was echoed by Pelissero as well. Sharing his thoughts on “The Rich Eisen Show,” the insider said, “I know there were people trying to stir up, they’re trying to trade Shedeur Sanders rumors. I had not heard that at all.”
“I believe this is going to be a real competition with Deshaun [Watson] and Shedeur,” he continued. “My expectation would be, all things equal, both these guys are probably on the team this season, and Shedeur really did make leaps. So let’s see with him.”
It’s easy to see where he is coming from. Watson is entering the final year of his contract and has struggled with injuries throughout his time in Cleveland. However, even if head coach Todd Monken does go with the 30-year-old, the Browns will need Sanders at some point. Last year, he started 7 games as a rookie, finishing 3-4 as the starter.
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Sanders’ performances left much to be desired last year. He had a 56.6% completion percentage and passed for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. According to PFN’s QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 63.0, ranking second-worst in the league.
However, the Texas native has shown significant improvement during the offseason, with Monken even saying that he has “come a long way.”
“I think Shedeur’s come miles, in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts,” Monken said.
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It’s well within the realm of possibility that Sanders is even given the starting job. The Browns will have a decision to make in the 2027 NFL Draft about whether they need to pursue a quarterback, and the best way to get an answer is to give Sanders a full season.
Ultimately, time will tell who the Browns will pick as their starting quarterback. However, given Watson’s injury record over the last three seasons, many believe Sanders will get another opportunity to prove he can be a franchise quarterback.
