Shedeur Sanders
Oct 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) practices before the game at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is in line to make his first start of the season on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, as Deshaun Watson has been placed in the concussion protocol after suffering a helmet-to-helmet hit in last weekend’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which dropped the Browns to 5-3 on the season and saw them cede first place in the AFC North to the Steelers.
Sanders, who is in his second season with the Browns after being drafted in the fifth round in 2025, recently hired Adie von Gontard, CEO of Young Money APAA Sports, as his agent, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The hire led to speculation that Sanders may be looking to maneuver his way out of Cleveland via trade following Watson’s strong start to the season, which has cemented the veteran’s job as the starter.
An NFL reporter asked Sanders about the decision to seek representation during Wednesday’s media availability. Sanders, however, bristled at the question, wanting to know how it was relevant to this weekend’s game against New Orleans.
“What that got to do with this game?” Sanders asked. “I’m focused on this game. Anything else really don’t matter at this point.”
Shedeur Sanders asked why he hired an agent #Browns https://t.co/P5kRMLgzbo
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) November 4, 2026
Although hiring an agent mid-season doesn’t specifically relate to Sunday’s game, it’s a more than fair question to ask a quarterback, especially ahead of what could be a career-altering start. It’s just as fair for Sanders to want to keep the focus on preparing for the Saints, although he might’ve benefited from approaching the situation with a bit more tact.
For what it’s worth, Shedeur Sanders, who had a somewhat contentious relationship with Cleveland media in his rookie season, made his stance on the media entering this season clear during training camp.
“I don’t think there’s anything negative about it, but I don’t really like when people have platforms and don’t use it for the right reasons,” Sanders told Kevin Clark of the media criticism he’s received NFL quarterback. “I don’t respect it. So, it’s like, things I don’t respect, I don’t give my time to.”
The young quarterback has been proactive about trying to improve his relationship with the media this season, but at times just can’t seem to get out of his own way.
Al Michaels tells Kirk Herbstreit a story about Tom Coughlin and the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. Credit: Prime Video
Al Michaels tells Kirk Herbstreit a story about Tom Coughlin and the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. Credit: Prime Video
Golden State Bob Fitzgerald, Kelenna Azubuike
Golden State Bob Fitzgerald, Kelenna Azubuike
New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick delivers a press conference. Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick delivers a press conference. Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Sophie Cunningham Fox News
Sophie Cunningham Fox News
Dallas Cowboys fans react at AT&T Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys fans react at AT&T Stadium.
Roku Fox Sports
Roku Fox Sports