Renowned sports analyst Skip Bayless continues to plant his flag on Shedeur Sanders’ future. After the [Cleveland Browns](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cleveland-browns) rookie delivered a 24-10 win in his NFL debut, Bayless called Sanders “the greatest thing that’s ever happened to the Cleveland Browns,” an explosive endorsement that instantly elevated the fifth-round pick’s growing profile.
Bayless Frames Sanders as the Answer Cleveland Has Been Searching For
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Bayless’ comments came during his appearance on The Aren Gridiron podcast, where he argued that Sanders should have been the Browns’ starter from the moment he arrived. Instead of easing into the discussion, Bayless used Sanders’ debut as proof that Cleveland has finally found long-term stability at quarterback after years of inconsistency.
“I don’t think Kevin Stefanski committed,” Bayless said, before shifting the focus to Browns owner Jimmy Haslam. “I think Jimmy Haslam called Stefanski and said ‘I’m sorry, no.’ Jimmy Haslam knows they are back in business. They have found their guy.”
Bayless pointed to a crowded quarterback room that once included five passers, including Bailey Zappe who is no longer on the roster, and said the rookie should have opened the season as QB1 because of the energy he could provide to a roster he views as already talented.
“The defense we know is very good. Myles Garrett is simply the best,” Bayless said. “With Quinshon Judkins they’re gonna have some juice in the run game they haven’t had. You got all that cooking… They have stumbled into the greatest thing that’s ever happened to the Cleveland Browns.”
Bayless has been one of Sanders’ most public advocates since the quarterback’s surprising draft-night fall, and he has repeatedly argued that the Browns were sitting on an undervalued talent who simply needed the opportunity to prove himself.
Sanders’ Win Creates Real Pressure for Stefanski
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Sanders’ debut did not showcase perfect football. His accuracy wavered at times and he committed an early turnover, but he delivered a clean second half, avoided backbreaking mistakes and capped the night with a rare milestone. He is the first quarterback to win his debut start for the Browns since 1999, giving Cleveland a spark the franchise has rarely enjoyed in its modern era.
The win also complicates the Browns’ quarterback picture moving forward. Dillon Gabriel, who has already won a game this season, was sidelined by a concussion in Week 12 but has remained a favorite inside the coaching staff. Once cleared, he will be back in the discussion.
But now Sanders has tangible results, momentum and national voices pushing his case. Cleveland also secured its sixth win since December 2023, a detail that will naturally strengthen the argument for giving the rookie more runway.
For the first time in months, the Browns have a quarterback debate that feels like a positive problem and Sanders’ arrival ensures it will not quiet down anytime soon.