Look, being a Cleveland fan is basically a full-time job in emotional management. But the recent buzz around Shedeur Sanders Browns practice sessions and his role heading into the 2026 season has hit a different level of noise. If you've been following the beat reporters at Berea, you know the vibe is... complicated.
Honestly, the "limbo" headline is everywhere. After a 5-12 season that saw Kevin Stefanski get his walking papers on Black Monday, everyone is asking if Shedeur is the guy or just a placeholder.
The Berea Reality Check
When you watch a Shedeur Sanders Browns practice, the talent is obvious. It's the poise. Most rookies look like they’re trying to solve a Rubik's cube while being chased by a bear. Sanders? He just stands there. He’s got that Colorado confidence that some call "polarizing," but on the field, it translates to a quick release and a refusal to panic.
But let’s talk stats, because the tape from the 2025 season tells a story of "almost."
In his seven starts, Sanders went 3-4. He threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. That 56.6% completion rate isn't going to win him any Pro Bowl votes yet. Yet, the way he finished—leading the team to consecutive wins to close out the year—has given the "Sanders as QB1" crowd plenty of ammunition.
📖 Related: Jake Paul Mike Tyson Tattoo: What Most People Get Wrong
GM Andrew Berry isn't exactly handing him the keys to the city, though. In his January 2026 presser, Berry was pretty blunt. He said the team is going to "do our work on the quarterback market." Translation: Nobody’s job is safe.
The Three-Headed Monster in the Room
It’s not just Shedeur. The Browns’ QB room is getting crowded and weird. You have:
- Shedeur Sanders: The fifth-round pick who played way above his draft slot.
- Dillon Gabriel: The 2025 third-rounder who struggled (1-5 record) but has a massive arm.
- Deshaun Watson: The $46 million question mark.
Watson is expected to be healthy and competing during offseason workouts. Imagine that practice environment. You’ve got a massive veteran contract, a third-round sophomore, and a fifth-round "fan favorite" all vying for one spot under a head coach that hasn't even been hired yet.
Some insiders, like Tony Grossi, are skeptical. Grossi recently mentioned on ESPN Cleveland that he doesn't think Sanders has "earned" the No. 1 spot yet. He’s predicting a brutal training camp competition.
👉 See also: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
Why the Practice Reps Matter More Now
During the mid-season Shedeur Sanders Browns practice sessions—especially after Joe Flacco was traded to Cincinnati—you could see the shift. Sanders started taking reps with the first team alongside guys like Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr.
The chemistry with Judkins is real. You see it in the check-downs and the way Sanders anticipates the blitz. But the "what are you doing?" moments—the interceptions that should've been pick-sixes if the defense had better hands—are still there.
The biggest hurdle for Sanders isn't his arm. It's the front office. If the Browns land a big-name coach like John Harbaugh, the entire philosophy might shift. A new coach might want a "proven" veteran or even look at the 2026 draft, where the Browns hold the No. 6 overall pick.
What’s Actually Next for Shedeur?
If you're looking for a silver lining, it’s that Sanders has NFL tape now. He isn't a "project" anymore; he’s a player with wins under his belt.
✨ Don't miss: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
He’s already been vocal about the coaching changes, basically saying, "That's just how the league is." That’s the kind of veteran mentality you want from a 23-year-old. But until that new head coach is in the building and the draft board is set, Sanders is in a holding pattern.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason:
- Watch the No. 6 Pick: If the Browns go Offensive Line (like Kadyn Proctor) or Wide Receiver (Jordyn Tyson), it’s a vote of confidence for Shedeur. If they take a QB like Ty Simpson, the Sanders era might be over before it truly starts.
- Monitor the Veteran Market: If Berry brings in a "bridge" veteran, expect a three-way camp battle that will likely see Sanders starting the season as QB2.
- The "Watson Factor": Watson’s health is the ultimate wild card. If he’s truly 100%, the Browns are almost forced to play him given the cap hit, regardless of how good Shedeur looks in May minicamps.
The 2026 Browns offseason isn't just about finding a coach. It's about deciding if Shedeur Sanders is a franchise cornerstone or a high-end backup. Based on those final two wins of 2025, he’s earned the right to fight for it.