Former Browns cornerback Hanford Dixon believes Shedeur Sanders deserves the opportunity to become Cleveland's starting quarterback, adding another voice in support of the young passer ahead of training camp, against veteran QB Deshaun Watson. 

“I did say we had him, our quarterback, our franchise quarterback,” Hanford Dixon said on June 29. “I said, ‘I’d like to see Shedeur get a chance.’ Hopefully, he is the guy. If he's the guy, I want you to come to me and say, ‘Hanford, I'm sorry.’”

Dixon, a guest of Chris McNeil and Gab Kreuz, made his case for Sanders on the BIGPLAY Cleveland podcast. He discussed whether everyone is overlooking the 24-year-old’s offensive rebuild this offseason. 

Sanders did not start his rookie season as the QB1, but ended it as one. The Browns sent him on the field after Dillon Gabriel concussed himself in Week 10, ending his season. Sanders had to face being the backup last season, and this season appears to hold up a pattern. 

Sanders finished his rookie season with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, showing improvement as the year progressed. His journey of developing as a quarterback started in 2025.

Sanders went from 25% in Week 10, as he played in a limited capacity, to 73.9% against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he played against four-time NFL MVP, Aaron Rodgers. Dixon stated that Sanders needs the chance, perhaps a solid chance and faith from the franchise, to prove himself.

However, Watson's veteran experience and three Pro Bowl selections stand in Sanders' way. His campaign to win the starting position has been made difficult since a healthy Watson returned from his injury to play in his last season with the Browns.

Another Browns legend backs keeping Shedeur Sanders

Joe Thomas left the Browns as one of their best offensive linemen. An avid follower of the development in his former franchise, Thomas weighed in on Shedeur Sanders’ journey with the team. He, for one, is strongly against trading him. 

“Shedeur was forced into action in the middle of last year before he was ready. He had some high moments and some low moments, as you’d expect from any quarterback. He’s a development project,” he said on June 30, as per The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Audacy.com.

Thomas was talking on The Ken Carmen Show with Anthony Lima. He firmly stated that the team wouldn’t know Sanders’ capabilities unless he sticks around to find out.  

“Keep him around, and it’s more likely than not that he’ll have an opportunity to start, and then win that starting job for the long term if you keep him on the roster,” Thomas said. 

With training camp approaching, the Browns' unresolved quarterback battle will determine whether Sanders gets the opportunity that both Dixon and Thomas believe he deserves.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rudra Dubey