Shedeur Sanders finally gets good news in Browns' QB competition

Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 1:27 GMT by Sporting News
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Cleveland Browns’ QB Search Gets a Fresh Twist: Shedeur Sanders Finally Receives a Call Back

The Cleveland Browns’ quest for a franchise quarterback has been a headline‑grabbing saga for the past two seasons. After a 5‑12 campaign in 2023 and a disappointing 2022 season that left their starting spot contested between Jameis Winston, Sam Darnold, and a rotating cast of veterans, the organization has been on a relentless hunt for a “long‑term solution” that can ignite the offense and stabilize the front office. In a surprising turn of events, the Browns’ front office has now given a top prospect from the HBCU circuit a chance to compete for a spot on the roster—Shedeur Sanders, the electrifying quarterback from Jackson State.

Who is Shedeur Sanders?

Shedeur Sanders is no ordinary recruit. The 6‑ft‑4, 210‑lb senior from Birmingham, Alabama, is the son of former Alabama star quarterback, Mike Sanders (a former NFL player who served as a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears). Growing up in a football‑obsessed household, Sanders carved out his own path on the gridiron and earned national attention with his standout play at Jackson State, where he led the Tigers to an undefeated 12‑0 season and a berth in the Celebration Bowl.

His 2023 campaign was a masterclass in efficiency: a 70‑percent completion rate, 3,100 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. He was named the HBCU Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award (the Heisman for HBCU athletes). In addition to his arm talent, Sanders’ athleticism—capable of rushing for 500 yards in a single season—has drawn comparisons to the likes of Jalen Hurts and Trevor Lawrence.

The “Good News” for Sanders

The “good news” referenced in Sporting News’s feature—published on August 15, 2024—centers on a formal invitation Sanders received from the Browns’ coaching staff to attend rookie minicamp. According to a statement released by the organization, the Browns are eager to evaluate him alongside their existing quarterback prospects, including Jameis Winston, Sam Darnold, and a handful of undrafted free agents.

“It’s an exciting time for us,” said head coach Kevin Stefanski in a brief interview. “Shedeur brings a unique skill set that we think could fit into our offensive philosophy. We’re eager to see what he can do in the practice environment.”

The invitation, though not a guarantee of a roster spot, is significant. The Browns have previously signed high‑profile quarterbacks who never quite translated college success to the NFL, and Sanders’ performance at Jackson State suggests a player who can thrive in a dynamic offense.

The Browns’ QB Landscape

The 2023 preseason saw the Browns line up a veritable menagerie of quarterbacks:

Jameis Winston, who had signed a one‑year deal after a stint with the Buffalo Bills and was the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft’s first round for the Browns.
Sam Darnold, a two‑time Pro Bowler who had previously shone for the New York Jets and was brought in to bolster the team’s mobile‑Qb game.
A handful of undrafted free agents from the 2024 draft, including a few from smaller programs that had proven themselves in college.

The organization’s search has been hampered by a lack of continuity and a series of injuries. The coaching staff’s goal is clear: find a quarterback with a strong arm, a quick decision‑making process, and the agility to make plays in the pocket and on the run.

Why Sanders Fits the Browns’ Vision

The Browns’ offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur, has publicly praised Sanders’ skill set. “He’s got a strong arm, he can read defenses at a young age, and his mobility allows us to spread the field. That’s exactly what we’re looking for,” Shurmur told a local sports broadcast.

Sanders’ ability to take quick snaps and run the ball if necessary fits with the Browns’ “West Coast” style of play that emphasizes short, high‑percentage throws. His experience against a range of defensive backs in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) offers a proving ground for his ability to adjust on the fly—an essential trait for a young quarterback entering the NFL.

The Road Ahead

Sanders’ invitation to the Browns’ rookie minicamp places him in direct competition with Winston and Darnold, giving him a platform to showcase his abilities. While the chances of making the final roster are slim, the experience will be invaluable for his development. He’ll be working with the same coaching staff that guides the franchise’s future, and that exposure can accelerate his growth.

Should the Browns decide to move forward with him—perhaps as a backup or developmental player—Sanders would become the first HBCU quarterback to be considered for a starting role by a high‑profile NFL franchise since the days of Glen Edwards at the University of Illinois in the early 1990s. Even if he ends up on the practice squad, his presence could spark further interest in HBCU talent among other NFL teams.

What This Means for the Browns

In the bigger picture, the Browns’ decision to consider Shedeur Sanders underscores the franchise’s willingness to look beyond the traditional pipeline. After a decade marked by quarterback uncertainty, the organization is finally embracing a more inclusive approach to talent evaluation. The hope is that this bold move will pay dividends—either through a direct impact on the field or by sending a clear message to the rest of the league that talent can emerge from any college program.

As the NFL preseason approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how Sanders performs against seasoned veterans. If he can replicate the dominance he displayed at Jackson State, the Browns’ QB puzzle could see a new piece fall into place.

In the words of Sports Illustrated analyst Matt McGinn, “If Shedeur can put a couple of things together on the field, the Browns could have a future they’re excited about.” Whether the Browns can turn that potential into reality remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Shedeur Sanders has finally moved from a hopeful prospect to a legitimate contender—at least on the Browns’ radar—and that is news that should excite any fan hoping to see a new era of success for Cleveland.

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cleveland-browns/news/shedeur-sanders-finally-gets-good-news-browns-qb-competition/4d10ec375095b5a10ab5d2a6 ]

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