Shedeur Sanders' future is being debated after another poor season for the Browns. While one ESPN writer highlighted a severe shortcoming, another analyst backed the young quarterback.

ESPN Writer Jake Trotter highlighted in a recent episode of ESPN 850 Cleveland that, "Shedeur has the second-worst single-season QBR of any QB in the NFL," since 2006. Sanders finished with an 18.8 QBR.

Jimmy Clausen of the Carolina Panthers sits below him. He had a QBR of 13.8, making 10 starts as a rookie in 2010. Despite being told of that fact, Tony Grossi has still backed the Browns' rookie.

"I think we need to see more. Plus, you have Monken, a new system, and a new coach. The offensive line...So you owe it to see that through. But after this year, you'll know whether Shedeur's the guy or not," Grossi responded.

The Cleveland Browns have brought in Todd Monken as their new head coach, and he is someone that had shown interest in Sanders. On his first meeting with the QB, he said that he wanted to draft him when he (Monken) was the Ravens' offensive coordinator.

Shedeur Sanders also played behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league last year. They allowed 51 sacks, which is the seventh most of the season. But Sanders is also at fault here because he took so much time throwing the ball.

He went as slow as taking an average of 3.57 seconds to throw in Week 14 against the Titans. Ironically, it was the best game of his season and one of the best QB performances of the year. Another factor working in Sanders' favor is the Browns' limited replacement options.

Browns Do Not Have Many Options Other Than Trying Shedeur Sanders Next Year

The Browns have the 6th pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which means it will be very hard for them to get a QB. They still might get their hands on Garrett Nussmeier of LSU, but the big question would be whether he is better than Sanders.

Malik Willis is another option, but he has not played as a primary QB. Plus, Insiders say that the team might have to pay $20M a year. That will hurt the Browns a lot financially, given Deshaun Watson's $86m cap hit in the 2026 season.

Watson, of course, does seem like the practical option. The three-time Pro Bowler has the talent, but has failed to produce for the Browns. He has recorded a passer rating of 80.7 with 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 19 games for the Browns.

He has never played a full season with the Browns, and there are also injury concerns with him. Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are in the same boat. The former threw for 937 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in 10 games.

The latter threw for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 8 games. The only difference is that with Sanders, they won 3 games while with Gabirel they lost 9 games in the 2025 season.

Who would you pick? Let us know, and you can read more on the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi