Shedeur Sanders made his first NFL start in Week 12 for the Cleveland Browns, and while it wasn't perfect, there were definitely some positives.
Sanders completed 11-of-20 passes for 209 yards and one touchdown to one pick. The moment never looked too big for the Colorado product and he showed some promise on the dime he threw to Isaiah Bond.
Sanders was good enough to supplant fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel as the starter. Sanders started in place of Gabriel last week because of a concussion, but he remains the starter even after Gabriel was cleared.
Despite the promotion this week, Sanders is sending out the right message: he isn't comfortable in his current spot and knows it can be taken away from him at any moment.
Sanders also noted how he appreciates the support from Browns fans who are excited to see him get an opportunity to start.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders said he’s grateful for the support from fans and appreciates excitement surrounding him. But says he’s not “comfortable,” knows things can change in hurry.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) November 26, 2025
While it took a long time to get here, Sanders now has a golden opportunity to state his case that he can be the Browns' long-term answer.
After Gabriel struggled over six starts, the Browns simply had to give Sanders an extended look before they go ahead and draft a quarterback early in 2026.
If Sanders can answer the bell and cement himself, Cleveland can use its top pick to address another position of need.
That said, it's going to take a lot more than what we saw in Weeks 11and 12 for Sanders to do that.
In fact, he might have to play lights out the rest of the way to stop the Browns from springing for a top quarterback prospect in 2026.
More NFL News