Is Shedeur Sanders Doing Enough to Lock Down the Browns’ QB1 Job for 2026?
The Browns dropped their 12th game of the season on Sunday, falling 23-20 at home to the Buffalo Bills. And while the loss itself adds another layer to a frustrating campaign, the spotlight remains firmly on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders - and whether he’s doing enough to earn the starting job heading into next year.
A Mixed Bag Against the Bills
Sanders’ stat line from Sunday tells part of the story: 20-of-29 passing for 157 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, two sacks, and 49 rushing yards. His QBR?
A rough 26.3. That’s not the kind of number that screams “franchise quarterback,” but the context matters - and there’s plenty of it.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott had praise for Sanders both before and after the game, but after the win, his focus shifted to his defense - and for good reason. Buffalo’s unit made life difficult for the rookie, forcing two turnovers and keeping him from getting comfortable in the pocket.
One of Sanders’ interceptions drew national attention, including a pointed reaction from Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, who posted on X during the game: "Shedeur, what was that? You're 2 casually with that throw." It was a moment that highlighted the growing pains of a young quarterback learning on the fly in a high-pressure environment.
Where’s the Deep Ball?
What raised eyebrows even more than the turnovers was Sanders’ reluctance to push the ball downfield. He had four passes batted at the line and didn’t attempt many vertical shots - a surprising shift considering his performance just two weeks ago against the Titans, when he averaged 8.7 yards per attempt and tossed three touchdowns.
That contrast has fans and analysts scratching their heads. Is it a confidence issue?
A scheme limitation? Or just a rookie still getting his bearings in the NFL?
Coaching Under Fire
Some in Cleveland’s media circle are pointing fingers at the coaching staff. ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo didn’t hold back, saying, “We can’t properly judge Shedeur Sanders because the coaching is so bad.” That’s a sentiment gaining traction as head coach Kevin Stefanski’s seat continues to heat up.
The Browns’ offense ranks 31st in the league at just 16.4 points per game - a number that underscores the larger issues beyond just quarterback play. Sanders isn’t operating in a well-oiled machine; he’s trying to find his rhythm in an offense that’s sputtering week after week.
The Bigger Picture
It’s easy to look at Sanders’ ranking - 40th in ESPN’s passer rating - and jump to conclusions. But it’s also worth remembering: he didn’t get any first-team reps until Week 12. That’s a steep hill to climb for any rookie, let alone one stepping into a struggling offense with little margin for error.
Now, with just two games left in the season, Sanders has a narrow window to make his case. The Browns have a critical decision looming in the 2026 NFL Draft - and whether or not they need to target a quarterback may hinge on what Sanders shows over these final weeks.
Next up? A rivalry matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at home. It’s a big stage, and it could be a defining moment for Sanders as he tries to prove he’s more than just a stopgap - he’s the future.