The Cleveland Browns’ notorious starting quarterback dilemma might come to an end at last. According to an NFL expert’s recent report, the Browns are trusting Shedeur Sanders with another opportunity to start in the 2026 season. 

In his article for The Athletic, Browns writer Zac Jackson guessed that the Browns have selected Sanders over Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel, providing him with better offensive linemen. 

“The first week of NFL free agency was a good one for Shedeur Sanders’ chances of claiming the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job this summer. … At this still-early point, it seems safe to say that Sanders has at least some runway toward being the starter,” Jackson wrote.

This development comes in Sanders’ favor after the team’s new head coach, Todd Monken, refused to pick the starter himself. Monken stated that Sanders and other players on the QB roster would have to earn the starting position through the unofficial but “open competition” that exists. 

But why will Sanders get the job? There's an answer for that too. Last season, the conclusion most insiders settled on was that the Browns will bring in O-line reinforcements to give Shedeur a better chance of performing. After all, the rookie was sacked 23 times across 8 games.

Despite the sacks and debuting in Week 11, he scored seven touchdowns, with 10 interceptions for 1,400 yards. He put up an excellent performance in Week 14 by throwing three touchdowns. And at the moment even these numbers look better than Watson's performance so far for the team.

“Let’s save the wild takes and proclamations for what’s likely going to be an annual reboot of an open quarterback competition. But let’s also pencil Sanders in as the most likely of the current group to take the race wire-to-wire.”

After signing the infamous $230 million, five-year contract, Watson started in 19 games in the past four seasons. Watson is already 30 years old and has just recovered from two Achilles injuries. Hence, it would seem reasonable to declare Sanders as the franchise quarterback and build the team around him. 

But if that's not enough to make a convincing argument, let's hear it from one of the new additions to the O-line.

Tytus Howard Is Confident About Sanders

That's why the Browns have signed three new players: former Texans tackle Tytus Howard and guards Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins.

“That quarterback definitely has pedigree. I’ve been following him ever since he was there (Jackson State). I know that he has all the tools to be a good quarterback in this league and he’s shown he can be a great leader,” Howard stated on Monday. 

The Browns' offensive unit is their biggest liability and has resulted in poor records in the past two seasons. While Sanders had his fair share of blame, he did play late with underwhelming wide receivers and linemen. Perhaps, this is precisely the boost he needs to reinvent himself for the better. 

Do you think Sanders will start in Week 1? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar