Shedeur Sanders joined the Cleveland Browns’ first-team unit when minicamp started this week. Hoping to prove his potential in 2026, the young quarterback directly addressed the criticism he has received in recent months.
Shedeur Sanders Seeks A New Mindset With The Cleveland Browns
Speaking to the media (via Mary Kay Cabot), Sanders made it clear that he has adopted a new, more positive mindset and will not allow any critics to affect his performance in the new season, seeking to protect himself in case things don’t go as planned.
“I don’t let nobody else dictate how I feel about myself,” Sanders said. “If you allow that, then you’re living for the wrong reasons. I know who I am as a person, as an individual, and just being a child of God,” said Sanders.
“So I can’t let nobody dictate how I could feel about myself,” Sanders added. “And if I allow that, then I’m not mentally strong. I gotta be able to be mentally strong in each and every situation that life throws at you.”
#Browns Shedeur Sanders won’t let anyone dictate how he feels about himself: pic.twitter.com/BMX5rH4Q2h
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) April 21, 2026
There is a possibility that Sanders will start as the QB1 next season under Todd Monken, following a disappointing 2025 season for the Browns, which ended 5-12.
However, the young quarterback will have to contend with veteran Deshaun Watson, who remains a central figure due to his multi-million-dollar contract with the Browns. If Sanders delivers a string of subpar performances, the team may relegate him to the unenviable role of QB2.
Sanders Aims To Shake Off Struggles In His Second NFL Season
The son of legendary Deion Sanders, Sanders brings high media expectations and a refined pocket passing style. The QB was selected in the 5th round (144th overall) of the 2025 Draft. The Browns’ gamble on the Colorado product is yet to pay off after they traded up to select him.
In his first NFL season, Sanders, who finished as the third-worst quarterback in the league according to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric with an F grade, threw for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, and got sacked 23 times in the eight games he played.
In college, Sanders demonstrated a tremendous ability to place the ball in tight windows, anticipate receivers’ routes, and displayed enough mobility to be a productive quarterback. However, the QB still needs to improve his ability to escape defensive pressure.
With Monken’s arrival, Shedeur entered the April minicamp, splitting reps with the first team. While Watson tries to justify his $230 million contract, Sanders could secure the starting job if he demonstrates greater consistency and better ball protection.
