Report: Cleveland Browns 'impressed' with Shedeur Sanders, open to giving rookie QB extended look

The Cleveland Browns aren’t ready to make any sweeping declarations about their quarterback future. Still, Shedeur Sanders is doing his best to force the conversation. 

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Browns came away “impressed” with Sanders’ first NFL start in last week’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders. His performance made the decision to start him again this Sunday an easy one, and Cleveland is now open to giving the rookie an extended audition for the remainder of the season.

That opportunity, Schefter notes, depends entirely on how Sanders responds beginning this week against the San Francisco 49ers. The Browns took a similar approach earlier this season with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, giving him an extended stretch to prove himself. 

Now it’s Sanders’ turn. The organization liked what it saw in his debut, in regards to his poise, his aggressive downfield mindset and his natural playmaking ability, along with his knack for buying time and pushing the ball vertically.

Regardless, there’s still development ahead. Cleveland wants Sanders to become more consistent playing within structure and on time, but the early signs are promising. Head coach Kevin Stefanski praised the rookie’s preparation and communication, noting that Sanders has handled his first full week as the starter with maturity. 

“Very committed to working at it, doing a great job,” Stefanski said. “Once you get one game under your belt and you’ve got the next one coming, it can only help.”

In the 24–10 win over the Raiders, Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Beyond the numbers, it was the operation, specifically the command, confidence and the flashes of creativity that caught the staff’s attention. His teammates felt it too, as Sanders steadied the offense despite it being just his second NFL appearance.

On the other hand, Sanders isn’t dropping his guard though. Speaking Wednesday, he made it clear he’s not taking his opportunity for granted. 

“I’m definitely not comfortable,” Sanders said. “In life, you’ve got to understand how quickly things come or how long it comes, it could be taken at any point in time. So I’m never comfortable in a situation I’m in. I always want to exceed expectations, and be a better version of myself for the team.”

The Browns now enter Sunday with curiosity and a bit of optimism. If Sanders continues trending upward, Cleveland may have a clearer picture, and perhaps an unexpected answer, at quarterback by season’s end.