The Cleveland Browns plan to continue starting rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the remainder of the season to determine whether he can be their long-term solution at the position, according to ESPN\'s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano. Sanders has thrown one interception and taken four sacks in his first two starts after replacing Dillon Gabriel.
NFL personnel evaluators told Fowler that Sanders displays decent arm strength and willingness to stay in the pocket while plays develop. However, they believe he needs more seasoning before becoming a franchise quarterback.
Sanders won his first start and has avoided the sack issues that plagued him in college at Colorado. The Browns entered his Week 12 debut believing he could protect the football, which he has demonstrated through two games.
\"There were a lot of screens and boots [on Sunday vs. San Francisco],\" one NFL personnel evaluator told Fowler. \"You can tell they are trying to protect him, which you want to do with almost all rookie quarterbacks. But overall I thought he looked pretty comfortable in the pocket. He just needs time.\"
Cleveland holds two first-round picks, including one in the top-five, giving the team prime position to acquire a future quarterback. Gabriel started six games before being benched and projects as a quality backup, according to coaches who spoke with Fowler.
\"The Browns must find out whether their 2026 starting quarterback is on the current roster,\" Fowler said. \"The body of work through 12 games suggests it\'s probably not, but Sanders has a decent runway to give the team something to consider.\"
Sanders was the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Colorado after falling from a possible top-five selection. The Browns are exploring every possible solution at quarterback after searching for stability at the position for three decades.