The Cleveland Browns keep looking for a replacement for Shedeur Sanders. But there's good news if you have been rooting for the rookie.

Andrew Berry has revealed what Sanders must do to be the team's QB1.

At the 2026 NFL Combine, Mary Kay Cabot asked the Browns' general manager what they are looking for in Shedeur Sanders in the coming months. Berry at first said that it's a better question for Todd Monken, but then added:

"I think the biggest thing that we want to see from Shedeur is just continued growth. I think he grew a lot from start one to start seven. I think certainly playing more efficiently, not putting the ball in harm's way as much, would be important."

Berry is right about Sanders' growth. He had a completion percentage of 55% in his first start against the Las Vegas Raiders, and it went as high as 73.9% against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But one of the biggest drawbacks of his performance was that he threw 10 interceptions in 8 games.

He finished the 2025 season with a very low QBR (18.8–18.9), which is the lowest single-season QBR in Cleveland Browns history for a quarterback with at least six starts. Berry definitely does not want to see that kind of performance from him again. The Browns' GM also said he would like to see Sanders produce out of structure and generate explosive plays.

He also talked about what he would like to see from the 24-year-old while they are off the field. He urged Sanders to 'learn the new offense,' and create a rapport with the new coaches: "... get in with the coach himself once our off-season program starts, continue to work on his body physically, and then make strides when we actually get on the grass."

The new Browns offensive coaching staff is entirely different from the one that Shedeur Sanders worked with last year. Todd Monken is the new head coach, and Travis Switzer is their new offensive coordinator. Andrew Berry wants Sanders to get himself comfortable with all of them.

But does that mean Sanders' position is safe? No. Berry was asked about the possibility of getting into the conversation at quarterback. "I think there's always the possibility," he said. Plus, Insiders have linked the Browns to two QB options that can potentially replace Sanders.

NFL Insider Linked Cleveland Browns To Two Options that Can Replace Shedeur Sanders

Browns beat Journalist Mary Kay Cabot has said in her report that the Browns have at least two external quarterback options on their radar. And these two options are Malik Willis and Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

“Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis and Alabama’s Ty Simpson are among the external quarterbacks on the Browns’ radar with the NFL Combine kicking off Tuesday and free agency starting in two weeks.”

Willis is set to hit free agency and brings some NFL experience with him. Over 22 career games, he has thrown for 1,322 yards and six touchdowns. On the other hand, Simpson is more of a developmental prospect and potentially in play for the No. 24 overall pick.

In his redshirt junior season, he totaled 3,567 passing yards with 28 touchdowns. He had just five interceptions across 15 starts for the Crimson Tide.

Who do you think will be the perfect replacement for Shedeur Sanders?

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Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Joyita Das