Browns Urged to Take Bold Shedeur Sanders Action by Ex-Player
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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When the Cleveland Browns selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a talented player.
Originally expected to be taken in the first or second round, Sanders went through one of the worst draft slides in recent NFL history. Despite the slide, he landed with a team where he can compete for the starting job.
Right now, the Browns have four quarterbacks competing for the Week 1 job. Along with Sanders, the team has Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel in the competition. Deshaun Watson is also on the roster, although he's not expected to play this season.
Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill after Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 11, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.
Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill after Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 11, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.
Photo bySanders has not been given a great chance to win the starting job for Week 1. However, there have been quite a few analysts and former players who think he's deserving of the opportunity.
Read more: Bengals QB Joe Burrow's Latest Message Is a Warning to the NFL
Most recently, former NFL wide receiver James Jones spoke out with a strong direction for Cleveland. He thinks Sanders should be the starter to open the season.
"It's been years and years since the Browns have had a consistent QB," Jones said on "The Facility." "I believe he's the best one out there, talent-wise. You have to start him Week 1."
It also was shared by former NFL star Chad Johnson that Browns' star cornerback Denzel Ward is very high on Sanders as well.
"I talked to Denzel Ward...(expletive), I shouldn't say his name. But anyway, I talked to 'some people,' and (Shedeur) looked different. There's a difference when that young bull is out there spinning that ball, you hear me?" Johnson said.
During his four years playing at the college level, Sanders was elite. He completed 70.1 percent of his career pass attempts for 14,347 yards, 134 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. There is no question he has the arm talent to be successful.
Read more: Chad Johnson Sends Telling Message About Browns' Shedeur Sanders
It has been a long time since Cleveland was a contender. The Browns also haven't had a clear-cut long-term franchise quarterback for years.
Could Sanders finally be the guy to lead the team back to relevance? Might he be the chosen one at quarterback to win a Super Bowl in Cleveland?
All of that is way too early to truly discuss, but the hype is there. If he can reach his ceiling, the Browns are going to have a star quarterback leading the way for many years to come.
For more Cleveland Browns and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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