2026 09 27T163823Z 1719379735 MT1USATODAY29931262 RTRMADP 3 NFL CAROLINA PANTHERS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
Shedeur Sanders' Place on Browns Depth Chart Suddenly Looks Less Secure 1
Former NFL linebacker discussed the attention surrounding Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and questioned whether it is driven by his performances or his family name.
He said Sanders’ fifth-round draft position meant he did not face the immediate pressure placed on top picks to become starters.
Former LB explains why Browns QB remains on the bench
Former NFL linebacker, three-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler Willie McGinest has questioned the hype surrounding Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. His comments focused on expectations tied to draft position and whether Sanders has earned the spotlight through his play.
2026 10 01T232056Z 268487192 MT1USATODAY29968442 RTRMADP 3 NFL PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS 1 scaled
Oct 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before the game at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 144th overall pick. McGinest said Sanders did not face the same immediate pressure to become a starter as quarterbacks selected first overall or in the top 10.
“Shedeur didn’t put the pressure on the position by coming into the league. I mean that by saying he wasn’t like a top pick. Now, if you’re a No. 1 pick, if you’re a top 10 pick, then you put the pressure on the position right away,” McGinest said.
McGinest also explained that fans do not see everything that happens during team practices. Coaches and team personnel can evaluate players’ performances, determine who takes command of the offense and assess who gives the team the best chance to win. Those evaluations help the coaching staff decide which quarterback should start.
Sanders played college football at Colorado before entering the NFL. In 2024, he recorded 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His father, Deion Sanders, is a former NFL star and football coach, and his family connection has also contributed to the attention surrounding his professional career.
McGinest also weighed in on the attention Sanders has received since entering the NFL.
“I know there’s a lot of hype, and is the hype behind the name, or the lineage where you come from, or what you’re actually doing on the football field? At some point, if he’s doing what he needs to do on the football field, he’ll get an opportunity,” McGinest added.
McGinest said opportunities are earned through performance and added that Sanders would get a chance if he continued to produce on the field.
During his rookie season in 2025, Sanders appeared in eight games and started seven. He recorded 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions as he gained his first NFL experience with Cleveland.
The Browns continue to back Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback under head coach Todd Monken, who evaluated the team’s offseason work, training camp and practices before making the decision. Given Watson’s substantial contract, Cleveland may look to get more value from its investment by giving him more playing opportunities.
Cleveland’s 4-2 record has also supported McGinest’s view of the decision to keep Watson as the starter. McGinest pointed to the team’s results as evidence that the Browns had made the right choice.
Sanders remains behind Watson on the depth chart, while Watson continues as Cleveland’s starting quarterback. McGinest said playing time is earned through performance and competition within the roster.
More NFL News