Former Colorado star quarterback Shedeur Sanders is already feeling the heat as he heads into his second NFL season with the Cleveland Browns—and according to one NFL writer, the pressure is on.
After being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders showed flashes of promise during his rookie campaign. He lit up the Tennessee Titans in early December with 364 passing yards and three touchdowns, and turned in a clean performance against the Las Vegas Raiders in his first career start, completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and just one interception.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Sanders also struggled with holding onto the ball too long and forcing throws into tight coverage, taking 23 sacks and tossing 10 interceptions on the year. Those growing pains, combined with a loaded 2027 quarterback draft class, have some analysts questioning his long-term security in Cleveland.
USA Today’s Nate Davis recently sounded the alarm, noting that while Deshaun Watson enters the final year of his blockbuster contract, Sanders is still viewed as "merely a former fifth-rounder." Davis wrote that the two are currently locked in a battle for the starting job, with new head coach Todd Monken staying tight-lipped about who holds the edge.
"Regardless, given the amount of talent GM Andrew Berry has provided this year—both in terms of a radically revamped offensive line and new wideouts in the draft—one of these QBs better have a standout season if they're going to dissuade Berry from taking another passer in the 2027 draft," Davis added.
The Browns invested heavily in offensive weapons this offseason, adding wide receivers KC Concepcion in the first round and Denzel Boston in the second, while also overhauling the offensive line. That means the supporting cast is stronger than ever—but also raises the stakes for whoever wins the QB1 job.
For Sanders, the path forward is clear: beat out Watson for the starting role, cut down on the mistakes, and show he can operate efficiently under center. A strong sophomore season could silence the doubters and cement his place in Cleveland's future plans. Fall short, and the Browns may not hesitate to look elsewhere in 2027.
It's not make-or-break for the 24-year-old's career just yet, but the margin for error is shrinking fast.