The Cleveland Browns continue to live in a state of dysfunction. No matter how many times they try to improve their roster and change the way they operate, they always seem to find themselves in the same spot. And they continued to bear the brunt of it when, in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the NFL draft.
Robert Griffin III Thinks Shedeur Sanders Is a Franchise QB
Sanders was one of the most polarizing picks in the draft, and despite starting the season as a backup, he found his way into a starting role before the year was over.
He struggled when he was given a chance to play, throwing 7 touchdowns with 10 interceptions across eight games. However, some still see a bright future for Shedeur to carry the Sanders banner forward in the NFL.
The Browns hired new head coach Todd Monken this offseason, and he will be the newest coach tasked with reviving the franchise. It appears that Monken wants Sanders as his starting quarterback; however, there will likely be competition during training camp to determine who wins the job.
Robert Griffin III discussed the situation on his podcast ‘Outta Pocket with RGIII‘, saying, “He (Sanders) has the locker room, he has the fans, and he has the bravado and the moxie to lead this organization out of the dysfunction that they currently have.”‘
He captioned the clip in a similar vein, and he wrote:
“The Cleveland Browns should commit to Shedeur Shanders being their starting QB.
1) Head Coach, locker room, and fan base believe in him.
2) His team-friendly contract lets them add significant pieces around him for years.
3) Gives them a leader at QB.”
The Cleveland Browns should committ to Shedeur Shanders being their starting QB.
1) Head Coach, locker room and fan base believe in him. 2) His team friendly contract lets them add significant pieces around him for years. 3) Gives them a leader at QB.pic.twitter.com/sA46oXILPs — Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 17, 2026
Griffin III continued by saying the Browns should trade Dillon Gabriel and give Sanders the reins to show what he can do. He suggested trading Gabriel to the Atlanta Falcons, where he can team up with former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who drafted him last season.
He said, “The easiest way to clean this up is by trading Dillon Gabriel, who, I believe, is a promising young quarterback. Trade him to the Atlanta Falcons with Kevin Stefanski and allow Shedeur Sanders to go in there, grow, and develop. If he doesn’t pull of this year as your starter, then, at least, you know, ‘He’s not the guy.'”
So, what if they already know he’s not the guy? Sanders did not suggest he could be an NFL franchise quarterback with those stats. However, the case in point is that one needs to see more than seven starts from him to make a decision.
His current stats only put him at 46th nationally, with an impact score of 56.9 and a Grade F on PFSN’s NFL Quarterback Impact metrics. If the Browns can surround Sanders with more help and better coaching, he might be able to turn into a starting-caliber QB.
The Browns Need To Improve Their Roster
No matter the decision under center, Cleveland has a chance to find some impact players in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they must do so.
The Browns have two first-round picks at sixth and 24th overall, along with a second-round pick at No. 39. That gives them at least three chances for impact players and players who should be starting for them in Week 1 of 2026.
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The Browns would be wise to use at least one of those picks on an offensive player, potentially an offensive lineman or wide receiver.
Cleveland needs both of those spots, and they could help Sanders’ development. The Browns will most likely not be contenders in 2026, but they should at least be more competitive than in years past.
