Shedeur Sanders' starting role for 2026 is under fire. One Cleveland insider believes the team is better off without him.

On 92.3 The Fan, columnist Jason Lloyd voiced a common concern about rookie Shedeur Sanders.

“I think Shedeur’s presence will be a hindrance to some... Shedeur should not be on this team next year. He's not good enough to be the starter and this organization is not stable and mature enough to have him as a backup... I think he's a really good kid it's just the nonsense that comes with it.”

Despite 8 scrimmage touchdowns and 1400 passing yards in eight games, Sanders threw 10 interceptions. His completion rate was 56.6%. Dillon Gabriel provided 7 passing touchdowns, and although they came in 10 games, his interception count stayed at 2. It's not enough to set Sanders apart.

And GM Andrew Berry agreed that the QB position needs work. "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. 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."

What Does Shedeur Sanders Think?

After a season where he sat on the bench for weeks, Sanders finally received the starting job against the Raiders. When asked about retaining his role next season, Sanders offered his perspective.

"I think I did what I was able to do, and I definitely grew from a lot of things, and I got experience now. So, I’m always the same, confidence-wise, I’m there. But like, that’s not in my hands. Like, that’s not my decision. I can’t speak on what other people feel."

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar