Entering the 2025 NFL season, expectations for Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders had diminished after his infamous draft slide, in which he went from being a possible first-round pick to a fifth-round pick. While he had likely anticipated starting early on, he’d end up being the third-string quarterback behind Dillon Gabriel and Joe Flacco. However, when he got his chance to shine, new Browns head coach Todd Monken had plenty to say about his play.
Speaking to the media during the Browns’ second OTA practice, Monken said, “I think Shedeur’s come miles, in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts. “I think he’s really, really come a long way.”
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Sanders definitely showed more growth as he adjusted to the speed of the NFL. While he was only 3-5 as a starter, two of the wins came back-to-back against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Browns to cap off the season.
He’d end up finishing the season throwing for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns to 10 interceptions. There’s no doubt those numbers are ugly over eight games; however, he couldn’t have been expected to succeed much after receiving limited first-team reps in the preseason and having an offense whose best pass catcher was tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
He’d end up scoring a 56.7 Quarterback Impact Grade according to PFSN, ranking 40th among his position, while head coach Kevin Stefanski would get fired after the season.
While a lack of weapons to throw was a big issue for all Browns’ quarterbacks in 2025, it won’t be in 2026. They completely revamped their receiver unit, snagging the ultra-elusive KC Concepcion in the first round, and contested catch guru Denzel Boston in the second round.
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With running back Quinshon Judkins returning from injury and Fannin Jr. continuing to develop, their offensive skill positions are coming together nicely.
Additionally, they made quality additions to the offensive line, acquiring four new starters, including ninth overall pick Spencer Fano to play left tackle.
Under a new offensive mastermind in Monken, the Browns’ offense could surprise folks. However, there’s no guarantee that Sanders will be the one controlling the offense in week one.
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Monken shared that he’s not yet naming a starter, saying, “You’d love to have it at every position at the end of spring, but you can’t guarantee that. We’ll have it set for Jacksonville [in Week 1].”
Fans and media alike will wait patiently through the offseason for a starter to be named in the meantime.
