Shannon Sharpe Thinks Shedeur Sanders Should Sit-Despite Rookie QB’s Breakout Performance
Shedeur Sanders just turned in the best performance of his young NFL career. But despite throwing for 364 yards and accounting for four total touchdowns in a narrow 31-29 loss to the Titans, Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe believes it’s time for the rookie quarterback to take a seat-for the rest of the season.
Yes, you read that right.
On the latest episode of the Nightcap podcast, which Sharpe co-hosts with Chad Ochocinco, the former Broncos tight end made it clear: he thinks Sanders has already shown enough and shouldn’t be thrown into the fire for Cleveland’s final four games.
“If I’m Shedeur, I’m like, ‘Nah, I’m good. I already showed y’all what I can do,’” Sharpe said.
“Put Dillon [Gabriel] in there… This is not a mistake… Why couldn’t you name his a** the starter three games ago? Why was it week to week?”
It’s a bold take, especially considering the spark Sanders has brought to a Browns offense that was stuck in neutral for most of the season. Prior to his first start, Cleveland had scored more than 20 points just once in their first 10 games.
With Sanders under center? They’ve topped 24 points in two of his three starts.
That’s not a coincidence.
The rookie stepped in after fellow first-year quarterback Dillon Gabriel went down with a concussion in Week 11 against the Ravens. Gabriel had lost five of his first six starts and struggled to find rhythm behind an inconsistent offensive line.
That opened the door for Sanders, and he’s made the most of it. He led the Browns to a win over the Raiders in his debut and has looked increasingly confident each week.
Still, Sharpe’s concern isn’t about Sanders’ talent-it’s about the situation. The Browns have already committed to starting Sanders for the rest of the year, but Sharpe questions whether that’s in the rookie’s best interest. With matchups looming against playoff-caliber teams, including a road game this Sunday against the 9-4 Chicago Bears, Sharpe wonders if Cleveland is setting Sanders up to fail.
It’s a fair question, especially when you consider the Browns’ long and painful history at quarterback. Since the franchise returned to the league in 1999, they’ve cycled through starters at an almost unbelievable rate. Sanders is the latest in that line-but unlike many of his predecessors, he’s shown early flashes of real promise.
And that’s the crux of Sharpe’s argument. Why risk shaking a young quarterback’s confidence in a stretch run that may not lead to the postseason? Why not protect the investment and let him build on what he’s already shown in a more stable environment next year?
Of course, there’s another side to this. For Sanders, these final games represent an invaluable opportunity to gain experience against playoff-level defenses, to lead in high-pressure situations, and to continue building chemistry with the offense. If he’s healthy and still progressing, there’s something to be said for letting him play through it.
Either way, the Browns have made their decision. Sanders is their guy for the rest of 2025. And if his recent play is any indication, he’s not just trying to survive-he’s out to prove he belongs.
The Browns may not have found their long-term answer at quarterback just yet. But for the first time in a long time, they have a reason to believe they might be close.