NFL: New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns
Aug 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Shedeur Sanders enters his second NFL season with a much clearer role than he had at the end of his rookie campaign.
The Cleveland Browns spent the offseason sorting through their quarterback situation, and the competition produced an interesting mix of experience and youth. Now, with Week 1 approaching, the team has settled on how Sanders fits into the picture.
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The Browns have named Deshaun Watson their Week 1 starter and team captain, while Sanders will begin the season as the team’s primary backup, according to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot.
That gives Sanders an important opportunity in his second season. The former Colorado standout struggled at times as a rookie, but he still gained valuable experience by appearing in eight games.
#Browns Todd Monken said he anticipates Shedeur Sanders being his No. 2 QB on Sunday vs. the #Jaguars.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 9, 2026
Sanders finished his rookie season with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He completed 56.6% of his passes and posted a 68.1 passer rating while taking 23 sacks.
The Browns, however, have another young quarterback who could complicate Sanders’ role on game day.
Rookie sixth-round pick Taylen Green has impressed the coaching staff with his athletic ability, and offensive coordinator Todd Monken recently acknowledged that Cleveland is considering a package of plays for the 6-foot-6 quarterback.
That possibility raised questions about whether the Browns could make Sanders inactive and use Green in specific situations. For now, though, Sanders remains listed as Watson’s primary backup.
That distinction matters heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland will travel to EverBank Stadium for its season opener, with both teams entering the game at 0-0.
The Browns will likely want to keep Sanders ready in case Watson cannot finish the game. At the same time, Green’s mobility gives Cleveland another tool it could use to create problems for Jacksonville’s defense.
For Sanders, the immediate objective is simple. He needs to establish himself as a dependable No. 2 option before the Browns give Green a larger role.
His second season has already started with more certainty than his first. Now he has to turn that opportunity into progress.