Shedeur Sanders may face one of the toughest tests of his young career this offseason with the Cleveland Browns. Right now, he’s the starter, but his job isn’t secure. He’s been out there battling, showing flashes and struggles. Still, the Browns aren’t ready to rule out other options for 2026.
According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, even if Cleveland sticks with Shedeur Sanders, he’ll have to prove he’s “poised to win in 2026” throughout the offseason program, or the team could turn back to veteran Deshaun Watson once he’s healthy.
That’s not all. Shedeur isn’t just competing with Watson. Rookie Dillon Gabriel is already in the mix too, and the Browns have used both quarterbacks this season depending on health and performance.
So heading into next year, Shedeur Sanders must outperform two very different hurdles, Watson’s established resume and Gabriel’s youthful promise, to lock down his spot.
Shedeur Sanders on His Growth Through the Season
Shedeur Sanders isn’t running from the criticism. He’s owning it. Over and over, he pointed back to himself.
“I just got to play better,” Sanders said plainly. “I can’t make those costly turnovers and have the expectation to win.”
That self-awareness keeps showing up. When asked about pressing while trailing, he didn’t dodge it. “I just got to remain… work within the game and just keep driving the ball, get first downs.”
What’s changed for him isn’t confidence, but clarity. “It’s exciting knowing that the mental side and the progress is there,” said Shedeur. “Being able to see what they’re doing and have an understanding… and mismatches and trying to get to those earlier on.”
He also pushed back on the idea that defenses are singling him out. “I think people do that to all quarterbacks. I think that’s what defense is.”
For Shedeur Sanders, improvement is more about reps and honesty. “I just got to get more completions,” he admitted. “There’s no excuse when it come to that.”
Even after rough stretches, he sees progress in resilience. “Kept playing. That’s progress.”
Pressure doesn’t scare him. “My whole career I played under pressure… that stuff doesn’t phase me.”
And the bigger picture? He’s clear-eyed. “This year right here, this the worst it’s going to be. This the foundation. This where I’m building from.”
Clearly, the margin for error is thin now, and Shedeur Sanders knows it. The Browns aren’t handing him anything, and next offseason won’t be about potential or flashes, but more about separation.
Shedeur has to be sharper than Dillon. More consistent than Deshaun Watson. More convincing every single day. That pressure? He’s already said it doesn’t faze him. But the NFL doesn’t wait. If Shedeur wants to be Cleveland’s future, the offseason is where he has to take control, or risk watching the job slip away.
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