Not even Shedeur Sanders himself imagined what his journey to the league would be like: full of obstacles, though he now seems to be finding the light at the end of the tunnel. After throwing for more than 4,000 yards, 37 touchdown passes, and being a Heisman Trophy candidate in his final season with the Colorado Buffaloes, analysts projected him as a first-round talent in the Draft.
Shedeur Sanders earns big praise from Bears HC Ben Johnson
After Cam Ward, Sanders was considered the second-best quarterback in his class. However, on draft day, everyone was watching to see who would select him. Rumors emerged that he might drop to the second round, but he didn’t just fall to the second – he kept dropping until the Cleveland Browns took a chance on him in the fifth round with pick No. 144.
From that moment on, Sanders’ ordeal began. He started as the fourth option in Cleveland and was practically forgotten by head coach Kevin Stefanski. He had to stay patient until he eventually rose to third string before the season started. When Joe Flacco left, he became the backup, and after Dillon Gabriel’s concussion he was named the starter. Now, he has earned the right to keep the job through the end of the season.
Shedeur Sanders does not have his 2026 starting job secured
After his strong performance last Sunday in Week 14, Kevin Stefanski named Sanders the Browns’ starting quarterback for the rest of the season. It wasn’t surprising: against the Titans he delivered the best QB performance for the franchise since 1950, with 3 passing touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown, and 364 passing yards.
The big question now is what will happen in 2026, and whether Sanders will really have the chance to remain the starter. Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot said that despite his good outings, Cleveland should still draft a quarterback: “I still think it’ll be very, very hard to get a definitive answer in seven starts… Even so, I would take a high-level QB,” Cabot told 92.3 The Fan.
The truth is that the 2026 quarterback draft class has been somewhat disappointing; only Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore are projected as strong early selections. In fact, ESPN’s Field Yates placed Mendoza with the New York Jets as the first overall pick, and Dante Moore second to the Las Vegas Raiders.
It will be interesting to see what happens with the Cleveland Browns, especially since it was also reported that Deshaun Watson – who is already practicing – will return next season and compete for the starting job. So the thorny road is far from over for Shedeur Sanders, and only his talent and discipline will determine whether he can secure the job in the future.
