Shedeur Sanders is making strides in Browns' QB co...
Key takeaways
- That really started in January and February, and then certainly as we got into having real practices in May, his growth has been tremendous.
- Sanders is battling veteran Deshaun Watson for the Browns' QB1 role for 2026.
- However, a recurring issue he struggled with in college continued in the pros: holding onto the ball for too long.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
I think he did a phenomenal job this offseason. That really started in January and February, and then certainly as we got into having real practices in May, his growth has been tremendous. We're all very excited to see Shedeur's fall camp, preseason, things of that nature when we get into padded situations, live situations, less scripted. But his growth has truly been phenomenal."
While new Browns coach Todd Monken ultimately decided not to name a starter after mandatory minicamp last week and extended Cleveland's quarterback competition into training camp, it's in part because of Sanders' improvement in two key areas: footwork and processing.
Sanders is battling veteran Deshaun Watson for the Browns' QB1 role for 2026. AP Photo/Sue OgrockiThe 2025 fifth-round pick had an up-and-down stretch as Cleveland's starter, throwing seven touchdowns to 10 interceptions in eight games. At his best, though, Sanders was an aggressive passer with the ability to make plays with his arm and legs. Sanders' 275 combined scramble rush and passing yards were eighth most in the NFL over the final eight games of the season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.