Jimmy Haslam didn’t hold back on what he thinks about Shedeur Sanders and where he stands with the Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns owner had a lot to say about the second year QB Shedeur Sanders, and where he stands this offseason.
The Cleveland Browns have had a solid offseason so far in their quest to get better and try to improve from last season’s 5-12 record. Cleveland’s best path to improvement is to get better quarterback play.
Cleveland has a less-than-inspiring quarterback room consisting of Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. The latter two will be entering their second seasons and at least Sanders figures to be in the mix to be Cleveland’s starting quarterback.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam gives a strong update on Shedeur Sanders
NFL League Meetings are taking place in Arizona this week and it’s a chance for the media to hear from the Browns’ decision makers. On Monday, Cleveland’s owner gave an update on Sanders.
“I was in Cleveland two or three weeks ago, and was working out early and he was coming in,” Haslam stated. “He’s been in Cleveland most of the winter, and I think that says a lot for his dedication to wanting to be an NFL quarterback and understanding what it takes.”
His body looks better. I think he’s been working hard. So, I think it’s hard for a lot of college kids to understand what it takes to play in the NFL, and particularly quarterback. I think Shedeur got an education in that, and my instincts are he’ll come back ready to play.”
Sanders started seven games for the Browns last season and he carried a 3-4 record as a rookie. Sanders completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,400 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The former fifth-round pick had ups and downs overall as a rookie, but he will get the chance to show the new coaching staff he can be the guy this offseason.
Todd Monken is going to hand the starting job to the quarterback who gives the Browns the best chance to win. If Sanders can have a strong offseason and show through OTAs and early into training camp he can command Monken’s offense while making explosive plays happen, he’ll be the guy.
The new No. 2 in Cleveland being the guy would be a terrific outcome for the Browns with him on a fifth-round rookie contract. A lot of the attention in the next few months will be on whether or not Sanders can be QB1 in 2026.
