NFL, American Football Herren, USA San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns Nov 30, 2025 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 runs on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20251130_tdc_bk4_0043
NFL, American Football Herren, USA San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns Nov 30, 2025 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 runs on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20251130_tdc_bk4_0043
Jan 8, 2026, 3:50 PM CUT
Shedeur Sanders Sends Bold 2026 Message to Cleveland Browns Over Starting QB Role
While Jimmy Haslam has let go of Kevin Stefanski, Shedeur Sanders isn't worried about retaining his role in the team.
In the Monday press conference, the rookie QB talked about his Cleveland Browns and made a promise to the fans. Sanders believes he can be the starter for the team in 2026.
“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.”
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 07: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 leaves the field following the National Football League game between the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns on December 7, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 07 Titans at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251207108
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 07: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 leaves the field following the National Football League game between the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns on December 7, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 07 Titans at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251207108
The Browns hold a 3-4 record in Sanders’ starts, and the rookie QB has scored 7 touchdowns for 1400 yards. He has also recorded a rushing score of 168 yards.
GM Andrew Berry agreed with his interpretation. "I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year. I think that’s both mentally, physically, playing the position. He’s still very much a work in progress, like many rookie quarterbacks are."
However, the 23-year-old finished with one of the worst QB ratings of just 19. With 10 interceptions since taking the field for Cleveland, Sanders' ability in the pocket has come under question.
This performance has apparently influenced the Browns' plans for 2026.
Andrew Berry might look beyond Shedeur Sanders
After coach Kevin Stefanski's departure, GM Andrew Berry outlined his offseason improvement plans.
“I like to see him continue to make progress. He got valuable reps this year, starting seven games. I think he’s gotta continue to make progress with his pocket management, his situational awareness, things like that. But I’d like to see him take major steps forward.”
At the same time, with Browns holding valuable first-round picks for the 2026 draft, the team will be looking to strengthen the QB position, from the draft or through trades.
"Now that all being said, 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."
Written by
Kalp Thaker
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar