Why the Browns’ Growing Confidence in Shedeur Sanders Could Be a Gift to the QB-Hungry Jets
As the 2025 NFL season winds down, the New York Jets-still searching for their long-term answer under center-might find an unlikely ally in the Cleveland Browns. The Browns, a team not shy about quarterback turnover in recent years, appear to be warming up to rookie Shedeur Sanders. And for the Jets, that could be a game-changer heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Let’s break down why.
Browns Trending Toward Sticking with Sanders
According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, there’s a growing sense that Cleveland could stick with Sanders as their starter heading into next season. That’s not nothing. The Browns are currently sitting on a top-five draft pick, and with quarterback prospects like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson expected to headline the 2026 class, Cleveland would be in prime position to grab a potential franchise QB.
But if they roll with Sanders? That changes the entire quarterback landscape.
Sanders has had the kind of rookie season that keeps a front office intrigued. He’s flashed potential in spots-dropping nearly 400 total yards in a gritty loss or guiding his team to victory against lower-tier opponents like the Raiders and Titans.
He’s also had his share of growing pains, including a rough outing against the 49ers and a three-interception day versus the Bears. Overall, he’s completing just 52% of his passes with five touchdowns and six interceptions-not exactly Pro Bowl numbers, but not a complete disaster either, especially for a first-year signal-caller learning on the fly.
The Browns seem to believe there’s something there. And if they decide Sanders is worth building around, that top-five pick they’re holding likely goes toward bolstering the roster elsewhere-perhaps at offensive tackle or wide receiver, two areas where Cleveland could use serious help.
Why That’s Great News for the Jets
Here’s where the Jets come in. With the Raiders all but locked into a top pick and widely expected to target Mendoza, the Jets are in a more precarious position. They’re not guaranteed a shot at one of the elite quarterback prospects unless they’re willing to trade up-and that usually means parting with serious draft capital.
But if Cleveland’s out of the quarterback race? That’s one fewer team the Jets have to leapfrog.
Suddenly, the path to landing a top-tier quarterback becomes clearer. Maybe they don’t get Mendoza, but Moore or Simpson could be in reach without having to mortgage the future.
It’s no secret the Jets need a quarterback. The current situation has been a revolving door, and with a defense built to win now, the pressure is on to find the right guy under center. If the Browns take themselves out of the race, that’s one less obstacle in the Jets’ way.
What Needs to Happen Next
For this scenario to really benefit the Jets, Sanders needs to show enough over the final three games to convince the Browns he’s their guy. That means more of the good stuff-efficient drives, smart decisions, and flashes of the playmaker he was at Colorado. If he can close the season strong, Cleveland may double down on their investment.
And that would be music to the ears of Jets fans.
Because in a league where quarterback scarcity drives decision-making, sometimes your best move is letting someone else fall in love with a different option. If the Browns believe Sanders is their future, the Jets might finally get their chance to find theirs.