Shedeur Sanders’ Rookie Season in Review: Browns Face Quarterback Decision Amid Coaching Search

CLEVELAND, January 26, 2026 – The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 season ended with more questions than answers, particularly at the quarterback position. Rookie Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round pick, started the final seven games, showing flashes of potential but ultimately posting modest statistics. As the franchise navigates a critical head coaching search, Sanders’ future as the potential starter for 2026 remains a central topic of debate.

A Modest Rookie Campaign

Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, did not see the field until Week 11 of his rookie year, entering after an injury to Dillon Gabriel. He started the final seven games of the season, leading the Browns to a 3-4 record in those contests. His final stat line for 2025 included 120 completions on 212 attempts (56.6%) for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 68.1. The Browns finished the season with a 5-12 overall record, last in the AFC North.

Key Statistics & Scouting Profile

Diverging Opinions on Sanders’ Future

The evaluation of Sanders’ rookie year has sparked conflicting viewpoints within the league and media. Some analysts point to his improvement, leadership, and ability to create explosive plays as reasons for optimism. Film analyst Lance Reisland gave Sanders a grade of 35 out of 50 for the season, noting “clear upside” and improved footwork and processing as the year progressed.

Conversely, others highlight concerning metrics. ESPN analyst Tony Grossi recently stated Sanders “doesn’t deserve to be handed the job” for 2026, pointing to his 18.9 QBR, which was the worst for any Browns quarterback with at least six starts last season. The Browns’ front office, led by GM Andrew Berry, has been non-committal, publicly stating the team will explore all options at quarterback this offseason.

The Browns’ Offseason Landscape

Cleveland’s quarterback room is in flux. Veteran Deshaun Watson, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, is expected to be healthy and will compete for the starting job. Dillon Gabriel, who started six games before his concussion, remains on the roster. The team is also actively searching for a new head coach after Kevin Stefanski was hired by the Atlanta Falcons in January. The choice of head coach could significantly impact Sanders’ development and the team’s commitment to him.

With the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns are in a difficult position to select one of the top quarterback prospects, as teams with the top three picks (Raiders, Jets, Cardinals) are also expected to target the position. This dynamic could lead Cleveland to consider veteran trade options or stick with their internal candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Shedeur Sanders’ main strengths and weaknesses as a rookie?

Scouting reports from his draft profile highlighted strengths such as advanced football IQ, excellent fundamentals, accuracy, and leadership. As a rookie, he showed an ability to push the ball downfield and energize the offense. His primary weaknesses were ball security (10 interceptions in 8 games), holding the ball too long at times, and inconsistent anticipation.

Who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback in 2026?

As of late January 2026, the starting job is an open competition. Deshaun Watson is the veteran incumbent assuming health, Shedeur Sanders will look to build on his rookie experience, and Dillon Gabriel will also be in the mix. The decision will likely be influenced by the team’s new head coach.

Why did Shedeur Sanders fall to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft?

According to draft analysts, Sanders’ slide was due to a combination of factors: a lack of elite physical traits (arm strength, athleticism), and concerns from teams about the potential media attention and distractions that could come with having Deion Sanders’ son on the roster, especially if he were not starting.