Of all the quarterbacks who have yet to see playing time in 2025, Shedeur Sanders is by far the most polarizing. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders played for his father at Colorado and was projected to be a top selection in the NFL Draft.
However, after falling to round five in the NFL Draft, the rookie quarterback has not been taken off the spotlight. Many have scrutinized Sanders for how he has handled the spotlight and media attention. Still, NBA superstar Kevin Durant has a different take on how the rookie quarterback has dealt with the situation.
What’s Kevin Durant’s Take on Shedeur Sanders’ Professionalism?
“The media and the circus around him, that is what it is because of his last name, how he came into the league, and just who he is,” Durant said on “Up and Adams”. He seems to be navigating that pretty well. He seems to be getting better. He moved up to second on the depth chart so that means something.”
Kevin Durant praises Shedeur Sanders for how he’s handled the spotlight early in his NFL journey 👏@heykayadams | @KDTrey5 pic.twitter.com/VCVkkpMPx2
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) October 8, 2025
Durant is no stranger to media attention, as the former No. 2 overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft. The 2014 NBA MVP entered the league with the spotlight on him and has not let it affect his play.
Media scrutiny reached an all-time high when he signed with the Golden State Warriors in Free Agency immediately after they set the NBA single-season wins record. Still, Durant kept his focus on his job and was named the NBA Finals MVP in his first two seasons with the team.
Durant is proof that a player can block out the noise and perform on the field, and his backing of Sanders makes sense.
His praise is noteworthy due to the number of high-profile media members and former players who have criticized Sanders for how he has carried himself as a professional.
Former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan was the latest in a long list of people who have criticized Sanders. The ESPN analyst ripped Sanders on October 1, ahead of the Browns’ week five matchup with the Vikings.
“Something’s missing with this kid,” Ryan said. “This kid talks, he runs his mouth . . . get your a** in the front row and study and do all that.”
The views from Ryan and Durant contrast each other and signal just how polarizing a player Sanders has proven to be just five weeks into his NFL career. As long as Sanders is a backup, these contrasting, polarizing views figure to continue. He will have to prove himself on the field to end these conversations, but just how close is Sanders to playing?
Where Does Sanders Stand in Cleveland?
The rookie quarterback saw his chances of seeing the field in his rookie season increase after Cleveland traded away Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. However, while he may appear to be headed for the number two job on the depth chart due to the trade, that is not guaranteed.
“I’ll let the week play out and make a decision later on,” said Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, when asked about his quarterback depth chart.
#Browns Kevin Stefanski will wait until later in the week to decide if Shedeur Sanders will be the No. 2 vs #Steelers: pic.twitter.com/xlp48mT1Yz
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 8, 2025
Fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel was named the starter ahead of the Browns game in London in week five and performed admirably, despite the loss. Gabriel completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in his first career NFL start.
While Gabriel projects to remain the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future due to his age and draft capital, Sanders’ opportunity to play has increased. Whether it’s due to injury or poor play from Gabriel, unless something changes, Sanders appears to be the next man up at quarterback for Cleveland, despite the comments made by Stefanski.
Cleveland, who are ranked 30th with a grade F in PFSN’s Offense Impact metrics, now sits at 1-4 through the first five weeks, and if they don’t turn things around soon, they could be looking at another high draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As such, the team will have to decide whether Gabriel or Sanders can be part of their future as starting quarterbacks or if they project more as backups and need to select a potential franchise quarterback early in the draft.
Only time will tell if Sanders gets a chance to see the field in his rookie season. The Browns’ quarterback situation will be one worth monitoring as the season progresses, and figures to remain a frequent topic of conversation.