Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders performed strongly enough in his NFL debut last Sunday that the team had no hesitation naming him the starter again for this week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
According to sources, the Browns are open to letting Sanders start the remainder of the season—similar to the opportunity fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel received earlier this year—provided he continues to play well, beginning Sunday.
Cleveland was encouraged by Sanders’ first start in a 24-10 win at Las Vegas, particularly his playmaking ability, willingness to attack downfield, and knack for extending plays. While he still needs to refine playing on schedule within the offense, the early returns have been positive.
Sanders enjoyed another solid week of practice while taking all the first-team reps. Head coach Kevin Stefanski praised his preparation on Friday:
“Very committed to working at it, doing a great job communicating with coaches and players. Good work week. Having that first game under his belt can only help.”
The Browns are unconcerned about potentially adverse late-November weather in Cleveland—cold, wind, and possible snow—affecting the rookie.
“He played at Colorado,” Stefanski noted. “He’s dealt with all kinds of weather. He’s good to go.”
In his debut, Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Despite earning another start, the fifth-round pick insists he’s taking nothing for granted.
“I’m definitely not comfortable,” Sanders said Wednesday. “You have to understand things can be taken away at any point. I’m never comfortable; I always want to exceed expectations and put a better version of myself on the field each week.”
For now, the Browns are giving Sanders the keys to the offense with an open mind: play well, and the job could be his for the rest of 2025.
