Shedeur Sanders was the starter in seven games for the Browns in 2025 and was hoping to continue the streak for the 2026 season too. But his QB1 plans took a turn when Deshaun Watson, who missed the entire previous season due to an injury, made a comeback. 

Shedeur Sanders is firing back as the Cleveland Browns quarterback competition heats up. After NFL insiders suggested Deshaun Watson is taking the lead for the QB1 spot, Sanders took to social media to dismiss outside opinions.

NFL insiders like Mary Kay Cabot changed the narrative towards Watson gaining a grip on the role. In the midst of speculation and uncertainty, Sanders shared a cryptic statement via Instagram. 

“Think about a person’s opinion…in the grand scheme of life, it means nothing,” shared Sanders via his Instagram story. “We often give opinions power when we react to them and make them seem valuable. Why expect anything different from a modern culture that doesn’t keep GOD at the forefront of daily actions?”

Sanders further added, “Those who move through life with foul intentions will eventually face the consequences of their ways. The people who truly align with you will understand this perspective. In the end, as long as you’re walking in your purpose, GOD should be the only one you seek to please.”

Sanders’ message comes at a time when the pressure is building in the Browns camp regarding their QB1 selection. Reportedly, head coach Todd Monken’s final say will come after observing the performances of all QBs in their minicamp, training camp, and OTAs. However, Monken hopes to settle the debate before the training camp begins.

Currently, the Browns’ QBs include Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Taylen Green. However, a renowned columnist was displeased with the Browns’ move of adding another QB to their roster.

New Head Coach Todd Monken Called Out for “Disrespecting” Sanders

As per US sports writer Alex Worth at talkSPORT, legendary sports columnist Skip Bayless called out HC Todd Monken for disrespecting Sanders. His main point of contention was with the Browns adding another QB at the 2026 Draft and claimed that it was an attack on Sanders.

“Why would you bring in (Green)? It just scares me that Monken is saying, ‘I could work with that’..... I’m saying, ‘What are you doing to Shedeur? Why would you bring in a kid that’s younger than him now and say, he’s got a chance?” said Bayless on an episode of The Arena: Gridiron.

“I don’t know. It just hurt me. For Shedeur’s sake, just a small sign of disrespect in that in six rounds you had to say, ‘Oh, we’re gonna take a project quarterback who’s got potential to be more than just a running quarterback.’ I don’t know.”

With Monken waiting till the end of training camp to announce their QB1, if not earlier, it’ll be interesting to see what pans out for Sanders.

Read more at Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi