Early reports indicate that the Browns might have a different signal-caller next year. Last year, rookie Shedeur Sanders ended the season. However, it seems like Deshaun Watson might emerge as the starter, so is this the right move?
Ex-NFL DT Dismisses Shedeur Sanders’ Chances as Browns QB Battle Heats Up
Former NFL Defensive Lineman, Breiden Fehoko, gave his thoughts on whether Sanders was worthy of the starting job.
“I hate even saying this, but Shedeur [Sanders] was never getting that starting job this year,” Fehoko said. “It was always Deshaun’s job when he was healthy. Y’all not gonna like this, but Kevin Stefanski did Shedeur justice last year in the way he handled him.”
“He could’ve easily went back to Dillon after he got healthy, but Stefanski knew DG would be on the roster, solidified this year so he gave Shedeur that chance to start and get some film knowing this very scenario would unfold right now,” he added.
I hate even saying this but Shedeur was never getting that starting job this year. It was always Deshaun’s job when he was healthy. Y’all not gonna like this but Kevin Stefanski did Shedeur justice last year in the way he handled him. He could’ve easily went back to Dillon after… https://t.co/KrXQAwfzXd
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) April 29, 2026
Sanders got his first start in week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Sanders won his debut as he went 11-20 for 209 yards, as well as one touchdown and one interception. After Sanders ‘ victory in Vegas, the team went 2-4.
Now, both of those victories were impressive. One was against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This was a game that the Steelers needed to win, so the fact that Sanders and Cleveland won was a huge deal for the organization. The other win was against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 18. However, in this game, Sanders only had 111 passing yards.
In terms of stats, Sanders had a total of 7 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Sanders’ 2025 season received an F grade and ranked 46th in PFSN’s Quarterback Impact metric.
The question is, does Sanders get the starting job next year? The Browns hired Todd Monken to be their new head coach. Monken is an offensive mind who runs a more West Coast, timing-based offense, rather than Kevin Stefanski’s more play-action-based offense last year.
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Not only will Sanders have to compete with Gabriel, but there is another competition as the Browns drafted Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, who has incredible physical upside.
Since Monken is coming from Baltimore, he has spent time with Lamar Jackson and has experience working with him. Similar to Jackson, Green can create on the run and be a threat on the ground. So, Monken could also possibly lean toward starting Green.
Whoever starts for the Browns will have some new weapons to use. They drafted wideout K.C. Concepcion in the first round of the NFL Draft. Concepcion is known for his blazing speed and great agility. He ranked 19th and earned a B- grade according to PFSN’s CFB WR Impact Metrics.
Overall, even if Sanders does not start for the Browns next year, he shows good potential to start later in the season or could lead another team to give him a chance.
