Cam Newton isn’t one to mince words, especially when it comes to the development of young quarterbacks. And on Monday, he made it clear: Shedeur Sanders deserves the same runway that other rookie signal-callers have been given this season.
Sanders, the Browns’ fifth-round pick and son of Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, made his second career start on Sunday in a 26-8 home loss to the 49ers. It wasn’t a headline-grabbing performance, but Newton saw enough to call for patience - and fairness.
“I believe in equal opportunity,” Newton said during an appearance on First Take. “If you’ve given Dillon Gabriel, if you’ve given Joe Flacco an opportunity to be properly evaluated, you need to do the same for Shedeur Sanders.”
It’s a valid point. Gabriel got six starts earlier this season, going 1-5 before the Browns handed the reins to Sanders.
The rookie out of Colorado made an immediate impact in Week 12, leading Cleveland to a 24-10 win over the Raiders. But his home debut against a tough 49ers defense was a different story - and Newton isn’t blaming the quarterback for that.
Newton: “This Isn’t a Recipe for Success”
Sanders finished Sunday’s game 16-of-25 for 149 yards and a touchdown. No interceptions, but he was sacked three times for a loss of 34 yards. Newton applauded Sanders’ poise under pressure and pointed the finger elsewhere - namely, the roster around him.
“I was pleased with what Shedeur Sanders did do,” Newton said. “Do I believe the Cleveland Browns are a good team?
Hell no. They don’t have the proper talent.”
Newton didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Browns’ offensive weapons - or lack thereof. He noted the absence of a true No. 1 option at receiver or tight end, and the heavy burden being placed on young players to carry the offense.
“You’re asking a rookie running back to carry your team, or now a rookie quarterback to carry your team,” Newton said. “That’s not a recipe for success in the National Football League.”
He drew a sharp contrast to Dak Prescott’s rookie season in Dallas, when the Cowboys surrounded their young quarterback with a dominant offensive line, a star running back in Ezekiel Elliott, and a reliable group of pass-catchers. The difference in support systems, Newton argued, is significant - and it matters.
Stefanski Staying the Course
Despite the loss, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t making a change under center. He confirmed that Sanders will remain the starter heading into Week 14, when Cleveland hosts Tennessee.
It’s a move that signals the Browns are willing to give Sanders more time - and possibly more trust - to grow into the role. And if you ask Newton, that’s exactly what needs to happen.
Developing a rookie quarterback in the NFL isn’t just about talent. It’s about structure, patience, and putting players in a position to succeed. Sanders has shown flashes, and Newton believes it’s only fair to let the kid breathe, learn, and grow - just like others have been allowed to.
The Browns might not be a finished product, and Sanders might not be ready to carry the whole load. But giving him the space to develop? That’s a start.