Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will have to earn the starting job.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will have to earn the starting job.
The Cleveland Browns sent a clear message to Shedeur Sanders on what he has to do to win the starting quarterback job next season.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry spoke to the media from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday. Sanders’ role for next season was a prominent topic of conversation.
“I think the biggest thing we want to see from Shedeur is that he continues to grow. I think he grew a lot from start No. 1 to start No. 7. I think playing more efficiently and not putting the ball in harm’s way as much will be important, while maintaining the ability to produce out of structure and generate explosive plays,” Berry said. “You’re not going to see all that in the coming month because we won’t be on the field. So the biggest thing he can do is learn the new offense, get in with the coaching staff when the offseason program starts, continue to work on his body physically, and make strides when we actually get on the grass.”
Sanders went 3-4 in his starts last season, passing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The turnover number was too high for Sanders to be a viable starter. But his desire to make plays off-schedule also set him apart, though it meant taking some risks.
Browns Don’t Plan to Make Quarterback Decision Soon
Speculation has picked up around when the Browns might name a frontrunner at quarterback, but Berry continues to signal that the job is likely headed for another open competition in training camp.
“We don’t have to make that decision anytime soon,” Berry said.
Cleveland took the same approach a year ago, staging a four-man battle between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders. The carousel eventually thinned: Pickett was traded to the Raiders and made a spot start, while Flacco was dealt to the Bengals after starting the first four games.
Gabriel briefly took over next, but his run ended after he exited a game with a concussion. From that point on, the job belonged to Sanders. Part of the issue with the competition tactic was that it led to fewer reps with the starters, particularly for Sanders. There was a steeper learning curve once he took over as QB1.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Remains Confident
Despite speculation about his status, Sanders remains incredibly confident in his abilities and what he can do after getting some starts under his belt.
“You can see it. It’s kind of like mastering how to get to that place all the time,” Sanders said on the Up & Adams show. “You have flashes. That’s the thing I appreciate about this year, is that I proved to myself. I’m able to dominate the league. But 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.”
Sanders, Gabriel and Deshaun Watson are under contract for next season. The Browns are also expected to explore external options. Cleveland has top free agent Malik Willis and Alabama draft prospect Ty Simpson on their radar.