Browns Gamble on Shedeur Sanders as QB1

New coach inherits young QB with potential but unproven track record

Mar. 8, 2026 at 11:05am

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The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2026 season with uncertainty at the quarterback position, despite Shedeur Sanders starting the final seven games of the 2025 season and leading the team to 3 wins. With a new head coach in town, the Browns are taking a risk by handing the starting job to the young and unproven Sanders over more experienced options.

Why it matters

The Browns have struggled to find stability at quarterback for years, and their decision to go with the inexperienced Sanders could make or break their season. If Sanders can build on his late-season success, it could be a major boost for the team. But if he struggles, the Browns may find themselves right back where they started, searching for answers at the game's most important position.

The details

Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, started the final seven games of the 2025 season for the Browns after the team struggled with Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel earlier in the year. While Sanders showed promise, throwing for 1,432 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, he was far from perfect and the team only won 3 of those 7 games. With a new head coach in Kevin O'Connell taking over, the Browns are taking a risk by handing the starting job to the young and unproven Sanders over more experienced options.

  • Shedeur Sanders started the final 7 games of the 2025 season for the Browns.
  • The Browns hired Kevin O'Connell as their new head coach for the 2026 season.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

The young quarterback who started the final 7 games of the 2025 season for the Browns, throwing for 1,432 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

Kevin O'Connell

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, taking over for the 2026 season.

Joe Flacco

A veteran quarterback who started games for the Browns in 2025 before being replaced by Shedeur Sanders.

Dillon Gabriel

A quarterback who also started games for the Browns in 2025 before being replaced by Shedeur Sanders.

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What they’re saying

“Shedeur showed a lot of promise in those final games last season, and we're excited to see what he can do with a full offseason as the starter.”

— Kevin O'Connell, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

What’s next

The Browns will closely monitor Shedeur Sanders' progress during the offseason and preseason to determine if he is ready to be their QB1 in 2026.

The takeaway

The Browns are taking a risk by handing the starting quarterback job to the unproven Shedeur Sanders, but if he can build on his late-season success, it could pay major dividends for the team. However, if Sanders struggles, the Browns may find themselves right back at square one in their search for stability at the most important position on the field.