The room was tight. You could feel the tension as Shedeur Sanders sat down for his final session with the media this January. After a season that felt more like a rollercoaster than a professional football schedule, the young quarterback didn’t look defeated, but he definitely looked like a guy who’d seen some things. The Shedeur Sanders Browns press conference following the firing of head coach Kevin Stefanski wasn't just a routine "end of year" talk; it was a glimpse into the chaotic future of a franchise that’s still trying to find its soul.
Honestly, the optics were wild. Sanders, who famously slid to the fifth round in the 2025 draft, ended up starting seven games for a Cleveland team that finished a dismal 5-12. When he spoke to reporters on Monday, January 5, 2026, he had just found out about Stefanski’s firing minutes prior.
The Elephant in the Room: Stefanski’s Exit
Sanders didn't exactly pour his heart out when asked about his coach being let go. He kept it pretty business-like. "We just found out a couple seconds ago," he told the crowd. He basically noted that "that's just how it be here" in the NFL. It was a cold, realistic take from a rookie who has already survived more drama in one season than most veterans do in five.
He did give Stefanski some credit, though. He mentioned that they grew to understand each other and that "Coach Kev" was tough on him in a way that helped him grow. But there was no sentimentality. Shedeur is already looking at the next guy. He’s focused on what he can improve for the next head coach. That’s the mentality. It’s always onto the next chapter with the Sanders family.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Is He the One?
Let’s be real about the stats. If you just look at the box score, you might cringe. In his seven starts, Sanders put up:
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- 1,400 passing yards
- 7 touchdowns
- 10 interceptions
- 56.6% completion rate
Those aren't exactly "franchise savior" numbers. But the context matters. He was playing behind a line that was often a sieve, and he was thrown into the fire after Joe Flacco was traded and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel struggled. The Browns went 3-4 with Shedeur under center. That’s actually the best winning percentage of any QB on the roster this year. He beat Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. He beat Joe Burrow and the Bengals.
General Manager Andrew Berry, who did keep his job, called Shedeur a "work in progress" during his own portion of the Shedeur Sanders Browns press conference cycle. Berry highlighted Sanders’ accuracy and his ability to extend plays with his feet. But he wasn't ready to hand him the keys to the city just yet.
The "Silent" Mime Incident
We have to talk about the weirdness from earlier in the season. Remember October? Rex Ryan went on ESPN and basically called Shedeur an embarrassment, telling him to "get his ass in the front row" and study.
How did Shedeur respond? He showed up to a Wednesday press conference and conducted the entire thing via mime. No words. Just pantomiming.
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It was a classic Sanders move—polarizing, bold, and arguably a bit petty. While some fans loved the "swagger," others saw it as a distraction for a third-stringer (at the time) who hadn't proven anything. It set the tone for a season where the noise off the field was often louder than the play on it.
What the Front Office is Actually Thinking
The Browns are sitting at the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 draft. That’s the danger zone. They are close enough to snag a top-tier prospect if they trade up, but far enough away that they might be stuck with the "best of the rest."
Andrew Berry was non-committal during the end-of-season media availability. He said they’d look at the "internal and external" options. Translation: If a veteran like Mac Jones (who's been rumored) or a shiny new rookie is available, Shedeur might be back on the bench.
However, insider reports from guys like Zac Jackson at The Athletic suggest that sticking with Sanders might actually be the move. Why? Because the 2026 QB class is considered "subpar" by many scouts. It might make more sense to let Shedeur sink or swim for a full 17 games while they build the roster around him.
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The "Be With Family" Offseason
When asked about his immediate plans, Shedeur kept it simple. He’s going to be with family and then "get back to work." He talked about building better relationships with his receivers. He wants that "it factor" where risky plays start falling in the team's direction.
There’s a lot of work to do. His situational awareness needs a massive jump. Ten interceptions in seven games is a recipe for a short career. But the confidence? That’s not going anywhere. He told reporters he’s confident he can be the starter in 2026, even while acknowledging it’s "not in his hands."
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're a Browns fan or a fantasy owner keeping an eye on this saga, here is what to watch for in the coming months:
- The Head Coach Hire: Look for a candidate with a history of developing young, mobile QBs. If they hire a "CEO" type coach, it suggests they might bring in a veteran to steady the ship. If they hire an offensive guru, Shedeur’s stock goes up.
- The No. 6 Pick: If Cleveland uses this pick on a Wide Receiver (like Jordyn Tyson) or an Offensive Tackle, they are likely building the "nest" for Sanders. If they trade it for a QB, his time as a starter is over.
- Free Agency: Keep an eye on the "bridge" veteran market. If the Browns sign a cheap backup, Shedeur is the guy. If they sign a starter-level vet, expect a training camp battle.
The Shedeur Sanders Browns press conference taught us one thing: the kid isn't scared. He’s survived the "fifth-round slide," he’s survived the firing of his first coach, and he’s survived the relentless criticism from national media. Whether he’s the "franchise" or just a "placeholder" remains the biggest question in Cleveland.
Next steps for the Browns involve a deep dive into the 2026 draft class evaluations and finalizing a coaching search that will define the next three years of the organization. Watch for the team to schedule interviews with offensive coordinators from the Chargers and Ravens, as those systems align closest with what Sanders showed in glimpses during December.