Why Shedeur Sanders Isn't Starting for the Browns
Sanders closed out 2025 as the starter, then lost the job in camp. Here is what happened and what comes next.
"Shedeur Sanders lost Browns quarterback job" has been one of the most searched football phrases this week. The answer is a little different from what many fans assume: Sanders did not lose the job this week. He lost it in August, and he has been Deshaun Watson's backup ever since.
What Happened in Training Camp
Sanders ended the 2025 season as Cleveland's starter after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. That gave him momentum heading into 2026, and many expected him to keep the job.
Instead, the Browns held an open competition. Both quarterbacks started a preseason game, and despite a shaky second preseason outing, Watson was named the starter on August 24.
Head coach Todd Monken explained the decision plainly: "We felt over the course of training camp and the offseason that (Watson) was ahead of Shedeur." He added that Sanders had closed the gap, but not enough to win the job.
Where Things Stand Now
The Browns have not changed course. Sanders has remained the backup as the season has gone on, and reports suggest the team's line has shifted to Watson starting the rest of the season unless he gets injured.
There was speculation earlier in the year that Sanders could get a look, and NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported at one point that Cleveland would "make its evaluation." So far, that evaluation has kept Watson in the lineup.
Cleveland's Week 7 Picture
The Browns are getting healthier around the quarterback. Their top two running backs, Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, are expected back against the Titans after injuries. Cornerback Denzel Ward was added to the injury report as questionable with a hand injury. For the full league-wide picture, see our NFL Week 7 injury report.
What It Would Take for Sanders to Start
Realistically, three paths could open the door:
- An injury to Watson.
- A losing stretch that pushes Cleveland to evaluate the future.
- Being out of the playoff race late in the year, when teams often turn to younger players.
Sanders has already shown he can handle NFL starts. The question is when, not if, he gets another chance, whether in Cleveland or somewhere else.
If the Browns do push for the postseason, here is how the NFL playoff format works. Follow every quarterback battle in our NFL coverage.
Background from Wikipedia
Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Deion Sanders ( shuh-dor born February 7, 2002) is an American professional football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). The son of Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, he began his college football career under his father with the Jackson State Tigers, winning the Jerry Rice Award and Deacon Jones Trophy between 2021 and 2022. He continued to play under his father with the Colorado Buffaloes, where he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 after leading the NCAA in completion percentage. Sanders was selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft and was named to the Pro Bowl in his first season.
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't Shedeur Sanders starting?
Deshaun Watson won the Browns' starting job in August. Coach Todd Monken said Watson was ahead of Sanders over training camp and the offseason.
Did Shedeur Sanders start for the Browns in 2025?
Yes. Sanders took over late in the 2025 season after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion.
When will Shedeur Sanders start again?
Reports say the Browns plan to keep Watson as the starter for the rest of the season unless he is injured.
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