Tony Grossi, an ESPN analyst, has made a sharp U-turn on Shedeur Sanders, and it’s turning heads ahead of the 2026 season.

While speaking on a podcast, Grossi, who had previously been skeptical, has now completely changed his stance on Sanders. “I've turned the corner on Shedeur Sanders. I think he deserves every chance to be the guy,” Tony confessed, adding that "it is just the matter of how he performs."

This shift has left the fans debating what changed and why the same voice that questioned Sanders is now backing him.

Grossi had never held himself back earlier, speaking against Sanders. His main concerns were about Sanders' preparedness, wondering if he was ready to take on an NFL offense straight away.

Shedeur Sanders was first drafted as the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. With the Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 44.1 in 2025, Sanders is relatively new to the NFL. But with this level of experience, Tony has always preferred other QBs over Sanders. 

Later at the Daily Grossi, when asked what Tony meant by the statement, he first jokingly said that he was 'misquoted.' Thereafter, he clarified that while he was QB4 before, as a player, with a lot of improvement now, it's time for him to show how he fares as the starting quarterback.

Previously, due to continuous criticism, the rookie QB confronted Tony at an event. "Tony, I hope you have something positive to say about me," Sanders said to Grossi following his postgame media availability.

“You always say negative stuff about me. I didn’t do nothing to you. I’ve never seen you say anything positive about me,” Shedeur added.

It wasn’t a heated exchange, but it made one thing clear: Sanders was aware of the criticism and wasn’t avoiding it. Even from the event, Grossi’s way of evaluation never changed.

Even though, like the other college QBs, he was also getting clapped at the line, a part of that change comes from Sanders’ production. 

Over his college career, he has consistently put up efficient numbers, showing accuracy, control, and decision-making in structured offenses. His ability to protect the football while still pushing the ball downfield has stood out. 

Many believed that it was because of his father, but he proved them wrong. He showed the trait that fits in today’s NFL.

If Shedeur Sanders Isn’t the Answer, Who Are the Other QB Options Available?

With so much criticism around his performance, if suddenly he is out of the picture, then who? 

If Shedeur Sanders doesn’t lock down the job, the conversation quickly shifts to who else can step in and stabilize the position.

The Cleveland Browns have quite a few ways who can fill the place,  Deshaun Watson, free agent Malik Willis from the Green Bay Packers, and rookie Ty Simpson from the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Although with all the criticism, the leadership has repeatedly mentioned that it's too early to comment on whether they’ll need a replacement or not. Speaking to reporters at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in February 2026, GM Andrew Berry said, “It’s too early to say.” 

In the end, it’s not just about replacing Sanders, but finding the right fit for the system.

What do you think could be the reason for his flip? Share your take in the comments.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Joyita Das