The Cleveland Browns have won their last game of the season with a 20-18 scoreline, but the quarterback problems continue after Shedeur Sanders' performance.

The former Colorado QB might have recorded one of his worst performances ever against the Bengals, not how he would have loved to end his rookie season.

The Browns' rookie did not have any interceptions in this game; he didn't record a touchdown either. He only completed 11 passes out of 22 throws, a 50% completion rate. Sanders threw for 111 yards, which is 10 yards per throw. 

He lost a fumble on Cleveland's first possession, setting the Bengals up with a short field goal that they converted into a touchdown and a 6-0 lead. But that was only the first of his bad plays in this game.

On Cleveland’s best opportunity to score an offensive touchdown, Sanders committed a costly delay-of-game penalty on third-and-goal, backing the Browns up to the 9-yard line.

He was then sacked on the next play, forcing Cleveland to settle for a field goal that extended their third-quarter lead to 17-12.

Later, with a chance to put the game away, Sanders took another sack on second down at Cleveland’s own 12-yard line. That mistake led to a punt, giving the Bengals the ball back with 2:41 remaining and a chance to take the lead.

The Bengals took advantage, marching 61 yards for a touchdown to grab an 18-17 lead.

But the Cleveland Browns might help Shedeur Sanders

Despite the poor performance, the Browns have been able to reap benefits with Sanders on the team. With him, they have a 4-3 win-loss record. Plus, Sanders had a passer rating of 68.1 with 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 8 games this season. 

They also have the 6th pick in the draft, so acquiring a good QB in the 2026 draft is also challenging. Keeping that in mind,  ESPN's Ben Solak expects the Browns to bring in San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

"The Browns will bring in 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, as they continue their tradition of signing receivers on low-cost contracts in the hopes of hitting it big," Solak wrote. "Aiyuk's days in San Francisco are likely over; the Browns can offer him more money and opportunity compared to any other team in the NFL."

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers heading into the 2024 campaign, but tore his ACL last October. He was supposed to return in 2025, but disagreements between Aiyuk and the San Francisco organization resulted in the star pass-catcher not playing in a single game.

The two might part ways, and trading with the Browns might be a positive for both teams. Aiyuk has recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2022 and 2023, topping out at 1,342 yards in the latter season.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu