The dilemma of whether Shedeur Sanders is a franchise QB is a big one for the Cleveland Browns and their fans.

ESPN Cleveland's most succulent sports talk show host, Aaron Goldhammer, talked about it. He evaluated the rookie, looking at the performance of the QBs in the 2025-26 playoffs.

"Guys, if you compare Shedeur Sanders just in terms of physical ability to the guys that won this weekend, he ain't it. I'm not going to dispute that Shedeur Sanders made some growth and might have more growth to make."

He said that he does not want to put Sanders down but added, "I'm sorry. I have two eyes. I have a nose. I have five senses, and I can sense and feel a franchise quarterback when I see one."

Shedeur Sanders had a passer rating of 68.1 with 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 8 games this season. He also had 169 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD. Sure, he has developed with the games he played, but he also made some mistakes.

Take the game against the Bengals, where he failed to throw even a single touchdown. On Cleveland’s opening drive, he lost a fumble. Later, on a crucial third‑and‑goal, he took a delay‑of‑game penalty that pushed the Browns back to the 9‑yard line.

Overall, he completed just 11 of 22 passes (50%) for only 111 yards. But on the flip side, he recorded 364 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception against the Titans. With Shedeur Sanders became the first Browns QB since 1950 with 300+ passing yards, 3+ passing TDs, and a rushing TD in one game.

But then again, his 18.8 QBR is reportedly the worst single‑season QBR ever for a Browns starter with at least six starts.“Shedeur hasn’t been great, he hasn’t even been good, but he has shown promise,” Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho said.

Do the Browns have faith in Shedeur Sanders?

There is no definitive answer to that question. A reporter asked Andrew Berry about Sanders in the postseason press conference, and the Browns' GM called the rookie QB a work in progress. But he also had some bad news for Sanders.

“We’re going to do our work on the quarterback market. It’s too important of a position, and it’s something that has to be solidified,” Berry said. “I can’t sit here and tell you today whether the solution for, or the starter in 2026, is internal or external. But it’s something that we’re going to work through over the next several weeks. And quite honestly, the new head coach will also have a lot of input into that as well.”

The Browns already have Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson in the camp. But if they go for a QB in the 2026 draft, Fernando Mendoza is the best option. However, the Raiders with the number 1 pick might get him first. That leaves the Browns with Dante Moore, but is he better than Shedeur Sandres?

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Joyita Das