Browns Shift Focus to Shedeur Sanders Evaluation for Rest of 2025 Season
As the Cleveland Browns head into the final stretch of the 2025 season, the story isn't about making a playoff push - it's about figuring out what they have in rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. With two starts under his belt, the early returns have been a mixed bag, but there's enough intrigue to justify giving him a longer look.
Sanders, who’s thrown two touchdowns and two interceptions so far, appears to have overtaken Dillon Gabriel as the team’s top option under center. And while the Browns aren't exactly opening the full playbook just yet, there’s a growing sense around the league that Sanders is doing what he needs to do - and maybe a little more - in a simplified version of Kevin Stefanski’s offense.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, league insiders are seeing a quarterback who's showing signs of growth. “People I’ve talked to see a quarterback who’s willing to stay in the pocket and wait for plays to develop and one who has decent arm strength,” Fowler noted. That’s not nothing, especially for a rookie still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
One personnel evaluator echoed that sentiment after watching Sanders’ early tape, pointing out that while the Browns are keeping things relatively conservative - with a heavy dose of screens and bootlegs - Sanders is showing comfort in the pocket and doing what he can with what he's given. “He just needs time,” the evaluator said.
And let’s be honest: behind this offensive line, that’s a pretty encouraging review. Cleveland’s front has been one of the league’s more porous units, yet Sanders has only taken four sacks in his two starts. That’s a big step forward considering some of the protection issues he faced earlier in his football journey.
More notably, Sanders has already flashed the ability to generate big plays - something that separates him from Gabriel. Despite limited reps, he’s managed four explosive plays, which speaks to his ability to stretch the field and create opportunities when things break down.
His two starts have come against teams on opposite ends of the spectrum. Week 12 saw Sanders lead an efficient win over a struggling Las Vegas Raiders squad.
In Week 13, he faced a much tougher test against the San Francisco 49ers’ elite defense. While Cleveland managed just one scoring drive in that game, Sanders didn’t look overwhelmed - and that alone is a positive sign.
Looking ahead, the Browns’ remaining schedule gives Sanders a mix of challenges. He’ll face two beatable defenses in the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals, but also has to go up against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and Chicago Bears - all teams capable of making life difficult for a young quarterback.
It’s going to be a trial by fire, but that’s exactly what this stretch is for. Sanders has shown flashes.
He’s had some growing pains, too. But in a less-than-ideal offensive situation, he’s holding his own - and that’s enough for the Browns to keep rolling with No. 12 as they evaluate whether he could be their long-term answer at quarterback.