Shedeur Sanders Faces Challenges in Browns QB Competition

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders showed potential during his rookie year in 2025 when he secured a starting role. Despite some impressive plays, league executives and coaches remain skeptical of his future. A recent report by The Athletic placed Sanders at the bottom of a quarterback ranking list for 2026, reflecting widespread doubt about his capabilities.

“I’d sleep like a baby if I got to play him every week,” an anonymous defensive coordinator commented in the report.

Sanders’ performance drew criticism from an executive regarding his accuracy, noting a significant gap between Sanders and competent quarterback play. According to the report, the list ranked quarterbacks from best to worst, with Sanders receiving only one Tier 3 vote while accumulating 37 votes for Tier 4 and 12 for Tier 5.

Another coordinator highlighted Sanders’ struggles with timing, coverage reading, and mobility, but also noted his unexpected resilience in avoiding tackles. This offseason, Sanders is vying for the starting position at the Browns’ training camp against Deshaun Watson, who has returned from injury, under the guidance of new head coach Todd Monken.

In the 2025 season, Sanders started six games, amassing 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions, completing 56.6% of his passes. The Browns expect to see an improvement in his completion rate. There is hope that Monken, known for his offensive strategy and success with Lamar Jackson, can positively impact Sanders’ development.

One voter expressed optimism: “Todd Monken is a great reset. If Shedeur invests in himself and masters playing professionally, there might be some upside.”

Monken has emphasized a genuine competition for the starting role at the Browns’ camp. Sanders, Watson, and Dillon Gabriel are contesting for the QB1 spot. Meanwhile, Watson ranks 31st on the same list, having missed the previous season due to recovering from an Achilles injury.

The Browns will begin their preseason with a game against the Bears on August 15, offering an early glimpse of how Sanders and his competitors perform under pressure.