Browns Facing Uncertainty at QB After Shedeur Sanders Criticism

Cleveland's young QB faces doubts about his preparation and performance after rookie season.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns are facing major questions at quarterback heading into the offseason, with reports that second-year QB Shedeur Sanders has been criticized by team sources for his lack of film study and understanding of defenses. While the team has said the starting job is an open competition, Sanders' struggles as a rookie have led to doubts about whether he can be the long-term answer at the position.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback situation is a critical issue as they look to bounce back from a 5-12 season. Sanders was expected to be a potential long-term solution, but the negative reports about his preparation and performance raise concerns about whether he is ready to be the team's starter. The Browns will need to address the QB position either through the draft, free agency, or continued development of Sanders in order to improve their offense and competitiveness in the AFC North.

The details

According to reports, sources within the Browns organization have criticized Sanders for not watching enough film and needing to be shown how to properly study defenses. His on-field performance as a rookie, where he completed just 56.6% of his passes with 7 TDs and 10 INTs, has also been a source of concern. The Browns have said the starting QB job is an open competition, and they missed out on top free agent Malik Willis, who signed with the Dolphins. The team did make some big free agent additions on the offensive line and at linebacker, but the QB position remains a major question mark.

  • Shedeur Sanders took over as the Browns' starting QB in mid-November 2025.
  • The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' second-year quarterback who faced criticism from team sources about his preparation and performance as a rookie.

Todd Monken

The Browns' new head coach who said the team will have an open competition at quarterback.

Andrew Berry

The Browns' general manager who has also indicated the QB job is up for grabs.

Malik Willis

The top free agent quarterback who signed with the Miami Dolphins after the Browns missed out on him.

Zion Johnson

The offensive guard the Browns signed in free agency to bolster their offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“I've talked to enough people and heard a lot that isn't very good. What am I supposed to do with that? Am I supposed to play dumb and come in here and say, 'Play the kid, let's give it a shot'? When you hear over and over that he doesn't watch a ton of film, that he had to be shown how to study film, that he doesn't know when he's hot or what he's looking at in coverages — am I supposed to ignore all that?”

— Jason Lloyd, Reporter, The Athletic (The Athletic)

“I think Shedeur is No. 1, but the least comfortable or safe No. 1 that there could ever be.”

— Zac Jackson, Reporter, The Athletic (The Athletic)

“Sure, I think it's an open competition. I mean, I don't why it wouldn't be an open competition. I don't mean that saying it harshly, but I don't think there's enough on film over the last couple years one way or the other to say, boy, we have our starter at quarterback yet. Whether internally or externally.”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns (Heavy.com)

“That's the most thing I appreciate about this year is that I proved to myself, I'm able to dominate the league. I'm able to take completions, I'm able to put all of that together, and definitely in games, we have flashes, but I know I'm capable of doing that. Now, to do it on a consistent basis, that's what the goal is. But for me in this past season, that's what (I) proved to myself.”

— Shedeur Sanders (Heavy.com)

What’s next

The Browns will continue to evaluate their quarterback options, both internally with Shedeur Sanders and potentially through the draft or free agency, as they look to solidify the position and improve their offense heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding Shedeur Sanders' preparation and performance as the Browns' quarterback highlights the team's continued struggles to find a long-term solution at the position. Cleveland's inability to land a top free agent QB and the doubts about Sanders' readiness raise questions about whether the team can get its offense on track and compete in the AFC North in the near future.