The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, was among the most-talked-about prospects last year. The Colorado Buffaloes star, who trained under his father, coach Deion Sanders, was touted to be a first-round pick during the 2025 NFL Draft.

But he fell to the overall 144th pick. Then, Sanders’ turn as the Browns’ starter came only when Dillon Gabriel was ruled out due to a concussion in Week 12. So, it hasn't been easy for Shedeur in the NFL. So while he’s stuck in a QB1 battle alongside veteran Deshaun Watson, his father Deion seeks help. 

“I would have wanted him to perform a little better, but that’s not just an individual thing, that’s a team thing,” said Deion Sanders in his interview with Covers. “A quarterback needs help tremendously from the offensive line, from the receivers, from the running game, from the coordinators as well.”

The 24-year-old’s father shared his assessment about Shedeur’s rookie season. The QB started seven games and registered 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions, and scored a completion rate of 56.6%. 

Per Dave Kelsey of The Comeback, coach Sanders didn’t entirely dismiss his son’s own struggles in the first year. He believed that Shedeur’s rocky rookie year was a result of team issues rather than just individual issues. 

Deion further compared Shedeur’s position with his own when he played in the NFL. He added that “several things” need to go right for a QB to score and win, while defensive backs can rely on individual talent. 

“It’s not just a singular thing,” added Deion. “Like a defensive back, I don’t care what the pass rush is, (the DB) has got to do his job. It’s a little different with a quarterback. He needs several things to go right for him to be successful.”

The young Sanders now finds himself in stiff competition alongside veteran Watson, comes back after missing the entirety of the 2025 season due to a ruptured Achilles. 

Paolo Songco of Athlon Sports reported that despite Sanders’ progress during the offseason, Watson is reportedly the preferred choice for QB1. Several things must align for Sanders if he wants to win the battle. 

Shedeur Sanders gets a positive update on the QB1 competition

The QB1 battle will continue making headlines as the Browns head to training camp in July. While Watson seems to be the preferred opening-week starter, Sanders may not be so far off in the competition. 

“Deshaun Watson went into the spring as the clear favorite, but Shedeur Sanders has bridged the gap at least somewhat,” said ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “Shedeur was decisive. He’s got a presence about him that the new coaching staff has noticed. They might have underestimated him a bit. I expect this to go into the preseason.”

The Athletic’s Zac Jackson also praised Sanders for his progress, for appearing “more confident and accurate” now as compared to April OTAs. 

Do you think Sanders will be able to overtake Watson in the QB1 battle? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore