With the Browns sitting at a crossroads in Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season, the focus in Cleveland has shifted from playoff dreams to future building blocks. The postseason picture may be out of reach, but that doesn’t mean these final few games are meaningless.
Far from it. This is evaluation season - a time to see which young players can carve out roles for 2026 and beyond.
And right at the center of that conversation is quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders has flashed the talent that made him such an intriguing prospect. He’s got the arm, the poise, and the ability to extend plays - all traits you want in a modern NFL quarterback.
But there’s also a glaring issue that’s holding him back, one that will need to be addressed if he’s going to take the next step. It’s not uncommon for young quarterbacks to struggle with processing speed or decision-making under pressure, and Sanders is no exception.
The tools are there, but the polish isn’t - yet.
Meanwhile, injuries continue to chip away at the Browns’ depth, forcing the front office into action. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins is now out for the season, a tough blow for a unit already stretched thin. On the offensive side, guard Wyatt Teller will miss at least this week’s game, another hit to a line that’s had to shuffle more than it would like.
To help patch those holes, Cleveland made several roster moves. One of the more notable is the official signing of offensive lineman Jack Conley, a move that had been reported earlier but was finalized on Tuesday. Conley isn’t a household name, but he brings versatility to a group that needs bodies - and fast.
The Browns also placed Collins on injured reserve and made six additional roster moves, bringing in a mix of practice squad promotions and signings. Among the new faces, only one - a veteran defensive back - has logged significant NFL experience.
He’s played in 46 games across stints with the Patriots, Jets, and Steelers, including appearances this season. That kind of experience could prove valuable in a locker room that’s increasingly filled with young, unproven talent.
It’s not the kind of December Cleveland fans were hoping for, but it’s an important one nonetheless. These final few weeks are about more than just playing out the string.
They’re about identifying which players - from Shedeur Sanders to the newest additions - can be part of the solution going forward. Because while 2025 might be winding down, the work of building a better 2026 is already underway.