The Cleveland Browns are searching for long-term stability at quarterback after Deshaun Watson's failure. They are seeing Shedeur Sanders as a potential cornerstone. However, analysts believe that Cleveland must avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Recently, Yahoo Sports' offseason power rankings placed the Browns at No. 29, pointing to the team's uncertain QB situation even after they selected Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft. The warning is not about Sanders' talent but the pressure of expecting one player to erase years of poor roster decisions and instability.

"We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun," Jimmy Haslam said in 2025 via Yahoo Sports. "We thought we had the quarterback. We didn't, and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him. So we've got to dig ourselves out of that hole."

The Browns' owner Jimmy Haslam's comments via Yahoo Sports acknowledged one of the most costly mistakes the franchise made. Cleveland surrendered draft capital and committed a fully guaranteed contract to Watson, expecting him to become the face of the franchise.

Instead, due to Watson's inconsistent plays and injuries, the Browns have to search for another answer under center while trying to recover from the empty assets. This is why Frank Schwab believes that Cleveland must stay patient with Sanders.

The former Colorado QB entered as a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft after a sudden draft-day slide. Instead of forcing him to carry the immediate franchise-saving role, the Browns must let him develop naturally while building a stronger roster around him.

Sanders appeared in seven starts during his rookie season, recording 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. He also earned a Pro Bowl replacement selection.

Schwab noted that Cleveland is rebuilding and should not make changes across the roster. Letting Sanders grow patiently may give a more sustainable path than repeating the same mistake.

However, Sanders also made it clear that he is focused on his development.

Shedeur Sanders sends strong message on Browns QB competition

Shedeur Sanders did not compare himself against veterans like Deshaun Watson and the rest of the room; he stressed that his focus is on improving every day and taking advantage of every rep he receives.

“I don’t think I’m a judge. I’m not a judge,” Sanders said on June 10 in a press conference.

Sanders impressed the coaches during minicamp with his decision-making. He believed that the coaches are the ones to make personnel evaluations and his job is to prepare and perform when he is called.

However, with the training camp approaching, every practice rep will be closely examined as Cleveland looks for its next franchise quarterback.

What are your views on the Browns' developing QB? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason