The Cleveland Browns have a big choice to make now that the 2026 NFL offseason gets underway. Will the team stick with Shedeur Sanders as the starting quarterback, or will they go in a different direction?
Shedeur Sanders Gets Backing From Analyst
Sanders received support from 923 The Fan, who backed him to be the Browns’ starter in the future. In speaking with hosts Daryl Ruiter and Johnathan Peterlin, NFL Analyst Emory Hunt said, “I think Shedeur is the guy. He is still the talent that you thought he was. I look for them to build around him.”
Hunt also alluded to Sanders’ play when he became the starter. He added, “It’s cool that he got out there and got those starts in. I like Sheduer. I like his game, and I like the toughness that he has. I look for them to build around him in terms of the offensive line and add depth to the defense.”
Sanders started for Cleveland for seven games as a rookie quarterback. He finished 2025 with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
The numbers may not scream at the stat sheet, but Sanders still played decently. Despite starting for an offense that lacked playmakers and consistent protection from the offensive line, Sanders still showed flashes and stayed composed in tough situations.
Fellow teammate and star pass rusher Myles Garrett, who is number one in Edge Impact per PFSN’s Edge Impact metrics, also didn’t mince words when it comes to Sanders.
Garrett raved about Sanders’ confidence during a conversation with DJ Siddiqi of Casino Guru News. He said, “The guy goes out there, he’s always himself, he stays true to him and he’s just confident.” Any doubt of whether Sanders belongs in the NFL is gone.
In his rookie season, Sanders showed the NFL world how confident he is in his abilities. Browns head coach Todd Monken has not publicly come out to name the starter or indicate who has the edge in the quarterback position. However, it is worth noting that Sanders finished last season at the top of the depth chart.
It also says a lot that a fellow teammate who happens to be one of the top pass rushers in the NFL is backing Sanders.
As it currently stands, the Browns have Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillion Gabriel on the quarterback roster.
Watson is heading into the final couple of years of his contract with Cleveland. He was acquired by the Browns in 2022 via a huge, blockbuster trade. However, the move has not worked out for Cleveland since then.
Watson has played just 19 games for the Browns, going 9–10, with suspensions and injuries — including a twice-ruptured Achilles — derailing his tenure.
Cleveland finished a disappointing 5–12 in 2025, leaving plenty of offseason questions. Sanders has shown promise, but whether he opens 2026 as the Browns’ starting quarterback is far from settled.
