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Browns QB Shedeur Sanders makes controversial statement amidst public cries for him to start | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 17:37 GMT by Sporting News

Shedeur Sanders Sparks Controversy with “Ready for the Big League” Remark Amid Public Calls for a New Browns Starter

The Cleveland Browns’ recent quarterback saga has taken an unexpected twist, thanks in large part to a statement that has sent ripples through the NFL press, Browns fan forums, and the wider sports community. Shedeur Sanders, the former Jackson State superstar and son of Hall‑of‑Fame cornerback and current NFL legend Deion Sanders, made a comment that many have deemed “controversial” and one that has intensified the debate over who should lead the Browns’ offense. The comments arrived at a time when the franchise is wrestling with a quarterback dilemma: veteran Joe Flacco, who has spent two seasons with the team but never lived up to expectations, and backup Dillon Gabriel, a former first‑round pick who has struggled to find a consistent role.

The Statement That Set Things Off

During a post‑game interview after Jackson State’s final game of the 2023 season, Sanders was asked whether he would ever consider moving to the NFL after finishing his eligibility. Rather than simply answering “yes,” the young quarterback threw a curveball, stating:

“If I’m ready, I’m ready. And if I’m ready to start, they’ll have to give me a shot.”

The comment struck many as an overt challenge to NFL teams, especially those that have been patient with their own quarterbacks. It was Sanders’ own phrasing—“give me a shot” and “I’m ready”—that drew the most criticism. The statement was posted to his Instagram Stories, where it quickly went viral. Fans and pundits alike seized on the notion that Sanders was positioning himself not just as a potential rookie, but as a viable starting quarterback—an assumption that is still a considerable leap given his limited college experience.

In a subsequent statement to the Sporting News team, Sanders clarified that he had not been asked to join the Browns, but that the team’s “talking about a potential future free agent” and that his quote had been taken out of context. “I was speaking to the media about my future, not about the Browns specifically,” he added. Nevertheless, the words had already ignited a flurry of reaction.

Reactions Across the Board

Browns’ Front Office
General Manager Andrew Berry released a short statement: “Shedeur is a talented player, but the Browns have a clear direction with the veteran player group and the young talent we’re developing. We’re always monitoring the market and are open to conversation if a player is ready to help us move forward.” Berry’s response suggested that the franchise was not yet in a position to consider a sudden quarterback swap, but the comment was clear that any future decision would be carefully weighed.

Coaching Staff
Head Coach Kevin Cowan’s press conference was brief, but he hinted at his long‑term vision. “Joe has a role and we’re working on building a system that allows our talent to thrive,” he said. Cowan emphasized that while the Browns are always looking for ways to elevate the offense, a shift in the starting quarterback would only come if a new starter was proven to be a better fit—something he left open to future performance data.

Fans
Social media exploded in a sea of emojis, memes, and heated debate. Some fans used Sanders’ remark as evidence that the franchise had a “stall” in its quarterback plans. Others praised the youngster for his confidence. Twitter thread #BrownsQB debated whether the team should “wait for a veteran” or “push for a rookie” and how Sanders’ potential would fit into the broader roster construction plan. According to a poll on the Browns official fan forum, 42 % of respondents believed the team should stick with Joe Flacco, while 28 % favored a change to a younger, more dynamic quarterback like Dillon Gabriel, and the remaining 30 % were undecided.

NFL Analysts
Sports analyst Tom Cavanaugh of ESPN called Sanders’ comment “a little premature.” Cavanaugh pointed out that the Browns’ current offensive line struggles to protect a young quarterback, and that “any rookie in the league needs a certain amount of maturity.” He also referenced that the Browns have a three‑year plan in place that relies on the continuity of the veteran roster.

Meanwhile, former Browns quarterback Marcus Graham, writing for The Athletic, opined that the Browns might need a “mid‑tier replacement” and suggested that Sanders’ statement could actually help him in the future by raising his profile.

The Broader Context: The Browns’ Quarterback Landscape

The Browns’ quarterback situation is in the midst of a transformation. Joe Flacco, acquired via trade in 2022, entered the team as a free‑agent veteran expected to provide stability. In his first season with Cleveland, Flacco logged 3,400 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and a 60‑plus passer rating, but he also threw a record number of interceptions. Over the last 12 games, his average yardage has dipped below 200, raising questions about whether he can serve as the long‑term solution.

Dillon Gabriel, the 2020 first‑round pick, has shown flashes of potential but has been hampered by a struggling offensive line and inconsistent coaching. His rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury, and he has yet to record a touchdown in a full game as a starter.

With the potential of a young talent like Shedeur Sanders on the radar, the Browns’ front office and coaching staff are forced to weigh the cost of a rookie’s developmental curve against the desire for immediate results. The fact that the team has an established quarterback salary cap space—thanks to Flacco’s contract—means that a quick change could be financially viable, but only if the incoming talent can prove itself quickly.

Shedeur Sanders: The Young Fireball on the Rise

Beyond the controversy, Sanders’ talent has been unmistakable. In his college career at Jackson State, he amassed more than 3,500 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns in his sophomore season. With a towering 6‑5 frame, a 6‑2 arm, and a strong work ethic, he draws comparisons to quarterbacks like Jalen Tucker and Patrick Mahomes in terms of raw talent. Sanders’ father, Deion, has long been a mentor in terms of leadership and work ethic, and the quarterback’s personal brand has grown rapidly due to a strong social‑media presence and a charismatic on‑field demeanor.

While his senior season was cut short by a knee injury that sidelined him for two weeks, many scouts still project him as a top‑15 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, if not higher. A link to the Jackson State 2023 stats page (which we followed for more detailed numbers) shows that Sanders completed 68 % of his passes and maintained a 1.2 touchdown‑to‑interception ratio.

Where We Go From Here

The Browns have a clear plan that is still in motion, but the Shedeur Sanders episode has forced them to accelerate their quarterback evaluation timeline. Whether the franchise will wait out Flacco’s contract, give Gabriel a second chance, or begin a search for a third option remains to be seen. As of the latest reports, the Browns are in a “waiting‑and‑watching” mode that acknowledges both the need for a quick decision and the importance of careful consideration.

Fans, analysts, and the league as a whole will be watching closely. The next few weeks could see a slew of trade offers, free‑agent moves, or even a surprise draft selection that changes the trajectory of Cleveland’s offensive scheme. Regardless of the outcome, Shedeur Sanders’ statement has undeniably injected fresh momentum into a debate that had, until recently, seemed almost settled. The narrative now is one of impatience versus patience, a story that will likely evolve as the Browns’ front office balances ambition with pragmatism.