Has Shedeur Sanders done enough over his handful of games as a starter to not have the Cleveland Browns go somewhere else for a quarterback in 2026?
The flashy rookie gets one more chance to showcase his abilities when the Browns finish off the regular season in Cincinnati on the first Sunday of the new year.
Through seven games (six starts) Sanders' stat line isn't anything that screams "future franchise QB".
Passing yards = 1,289
Completion percentage = 57.4%
TD/INT ratio = 7/10
Rushing yards = 143, plus one touchdown
MORE: NFL head coach "hot seat tracker" heading into Week 18
Despite the mediocre numbers, the bottom line in the NFL is wins and losses. On Sunday, Sanders was the quarterback of record to defeat the arch rival Pittsburgh Steelers. ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo commented:
"He did enough to win," - Rizz on Shedeur's performance against the Steelers.
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) December 29, 2025
He says the Browns need to decide if they're going to build around him in 2026. Do you think they should? Https://t.co/8WG79In11o pic.twitter.com/7HIEslI9aR
It's been a low bar for Browns fans to grade their quarterbacks since the Deshaun Watson era began in 2023. The fact that Sanders shows flashes of excellence with deep ball placement, and the ability to extend plays with his legs is obviously enticing.
Three-time Super Bowl champion, Jerod Cherry explained why the 144th overall pick should be Cleveland's starter in 2026
"We've seen glimpses, we've seen signs," - @JRCherry3 says the Browns need to stick with Shedeur Sanders for 2026.
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) December 29, 2025
Do you agree? Pic.twitter.com/n5X9DbSAJE
Now at four wins, the Browns would very likely have to trade up in this April's draft to grab one of the expected top two quarterbacks, Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore. With so many glaring needs on the offensive line and wide receiver, can the front office afford to give up multiple picks in a deal?
The right answer could very well be to let Sanders have a full training camp working with the starters the entire time. An opportunity he was denied in his first year.
Build up the offense around him, and see if the 23-year old can become the team's long term answer. If not, then you'll have a stronger offense in place to take a swing at a rookie signal-caller in 2027.
MORE:
NFL Week 18 schedule: the games that impact the playoff picture most
Is Kevin Stefanski safe? Should Browns still make a coaching change after beating the Steelers?
'I'll be damned': Myles Garrett reacts to the idea of Browns tanking
Myles Garrett calls out Steelers after not breaking sack record in Browns win
Ravens players and fans wild social media reactions to Browns upset win vs. Steelers
Is Judkins still the Browns' future at RB after his catastrophic leg injury?
Browns defense best in the NFL? Steelers' Mike Tomlin weighs in
Trade Myles Garrett? Media calling for Browns to deal star