Shedeur Sanders’ debut as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns has not gone exactly as he or the team hoped, but it’s clear that the path is set for him to continue growing after four weeks in the role, a position where he feels increasingly comfortable.
Sanders made his first start on November 16 against the Baltimore Ravens, stepping in after his fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. The quarterback position has been a source of uncertainty for the Browns this season.
Joe Flacco began the year as the starter but failed to impress with his performance, leading to his departure. This cleared the way for Gabriel, but a combination of his concussion and an Achilles injury opened the door for Sanders, who is viewed by the organization as a future star they need to develop carefully.
Just arrived in Cleveland for the Browns v. Bills game tomorrow. I’ve got Shedeur Sanders having a big game tomorrow.
He’ll go for 250+ yards and 2+ passing touchdowns.
Haters can refer to this post after the game. pic.twitter.com/1Qgs3ItTLK
— Hovah76 (@hovah76) December 20, 2025
The most recent signal of the team’s confidence came from the Browns’ marketing department. For this Sunday’s game, the team announced a special fan giveaway, featuring a Sanders-autographed jersey as the grand prize. To some, this initiative reflects how the organization is positioning him not only as a leader on the field but also as a central figure off it.
Sanders numbers still leave questions
Through just a few games, Sanders has accumulated under 1,000 passing yards, five touchdowns, and a completion percentage below the league average. The Week 15 loss to the Chicago Bears, 31-3, highlighted many of these shortcomings. Sanders threw three interceptions, faced constant pressure, and the offense struggled to find rhythm.
“I got to complete the ball more, honestly,” Sanders said this week ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Within the organization, there are no plans to make a change at quarterback. Coordinator Tommy Rees believes improvements in the offensive line and overall protection could give Sanders more time and freedom to operate.
Shedeur Sanders (QB2-Tier 3/Above average NFL starter) with his second deep completion of the game..
pic.twitter.com/VJUgLx5OEK— Adam Carter (@impactfbdata) December 14, 2025
“For any young quarterback, the adjustment of playing in this league-what is open versus what’s not, understanding timing versus waiting, knowing when to extend versus taking what’s there-these are critical,” Rees said.
“Completion percentage is not solely on the quarterback. There are other areas where we, as an offense, need to improve and support him. We need to identify accessible completions and execute them, and then finish the play in other spots.”
Tommy Rees
Selected in the fifth round, Sanders has been handed an unexpected opportunity due to his teammates’ struggles. Now, he has the chance to rewrite his story and establish himself as the face of the Browns’ future.
