Since the Cleveland Browns are not yet ready to commit to Shedeur Sanders, there have been rumors of potential candidates replacing him.

At first, there were insider reports of Malik Willis, and now Anthony Richardson is also making the headlines. But ESPN Analyst Tony Grossi believes that he is not the perfect choice.

“No, because he’s a developmental project, like Trey Lance. There’s intrigue and athleticism, but they have a developmental quarterback already. His name is Shedeur Sanders. They have to develop him. If you bring in a guy like Richardson, you’re glomming up the whole project.”

Richardson was drafted 4th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Colts on a four‑year rookie contract worth $33.99 million. Technically, the Browns can acquire him through trade. He has a cannon arm and the kind of mobility to keep the best defenders up at night.

He has thrown for 2,400 yards and 11 touchdowns since his debut, with 13 interceptions in 17 games. Plus, he was also one of the most explosive rushing quarterbacks in college football, recording 1,116 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.

But like Grossi pointed out, he is still developing, and why would the Browns invest in a developing QB when they already have one: Shedeur Sanders?

Even the Colts did not name Richardson their starting quarterback in the 2025 season, reportedly because of Daniel Jones' veteran experience in handling the offensive operation.

But Shedeur Sanders Shouldn't Rest Easy

It is possible that the Browns may not bring in a quarterback from outside, but this does not mean that Sanders has no competition. Browns' Journalist Mary Kay Cabot has discussed it already.

“I think right now that it would probably be 40% for Shedeur, 40% for Deshaun [Watson], and 20 for someone else. So I think those two guys heading into this whole thing are probably kind of running neck and neck,” Cabot said in the Orange and Brown Talk Podcast.

On paper, Deshaun Watson is the most skilled and seasoned quarterback on the Browns’ roster. However, in 19 games, he has thrown for just 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, with a passer rating of 80.7.

In comparison, Shedeur Sanders posted a passer rating of 68.1, throwing for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions over 8 games in 2025. And as many believe, much like his father, Deion Sanders, the rookie QB has been mismanaged.

Which one of the two would you like to see as the starting quarterback for the Browns in 2026?

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Joyita Das