Despite all the hype surrounding Shedeur Sanders, there's no guarantee he'll be part of Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken's vision.
Sanders completed 56.6% of his passes as a rookie for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The 144th overall pick from last year's draft had some moments where he flashed his potential, but he didn't do enough to cement his status as Cleveland's long-term starter - at least not yet.
Earlier this week, Haslam Sports Group partner JW Johnson shared his thoughts on Cleveland's quarterback room during an appearance on the "BIGPLAY Cleveland Show." He suggested there'll be a battle for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart.
"Nobody is getting handed the keys to the car today," Johnson said. "They're going to come in and compete. Deshaun is coming off a major injury. He's done well and has battled back. It's nice to see him back. … Shedeur and Dillon had ups and downs during their rookie years. Now with a new head coach, let's see how they come in, compete and understand the offense. I think it's open competition and we are excited about it."
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) walks off the field after losing to the Tennessee Titans in an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Dec. 7, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The latest update on the Browns, however, makes it sound like Sanders doesn't have a chance at being named the Week 1 starter.
Zac Jackson of The Athletic believes the Browns will try to sign Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis in free agency. According to NFL insider Jordan Schulz, it's a "foregone conclusion" that Willis will receive a starting salary of at least $30 million.
If the Browns can't win the bidding war for Willis in free agency, Jackson thinks a trade for for Anthony Richardson could be their next best move. The Indianapolis Colts have given the former top-five pick permission to find a trade partner.
Shedeur will be ready for a quarterback battle.
After wrapping up his rookie campaign, Sanders expressed confidence in his abilities.
"I think I did what I was able to do, and I definitely grew from a lot of things, and I got experience now," Sanders said. "So, I'm always the same, confidence-wise, I'm there. But like, that's not in my hands. Like, that's not my decision. I can't speak on what other people feel."
If the Browns sign Willis to a massive contract, there won't be a quarterback battle in the offseason. A trade for Richardson, however, would leave the door open for Sanders to win the starting job.
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