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Sanders Suggests Son Could Be Browns' QB1

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 23:43 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Ohio, Colorado, Louisiana, UNITED STATES

Cleveland, OH - February 24th, 2026 - The quarterback situation in Cleveland has been a topic of intense scrutiny for years, and a recent comment from Deion Sanders has only amplified the conversation. Sanders, head coach of Jackson State University and proud father to quarterback Shedeur Sanders, boldly stated his son could one day be the Browns' QB1. The statement, made to AND 1 Sports, caught the attention of Browns offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who addressed it in a press conference today.

Monken admitted he was initially surprised by Sanders' assertion. "Yeah, I was surprised, obviously," he stated. However, the surprise didn't negate Monken's acknowledgement of Shedeur's talent. "But I've seen him play a little bit. He's obviously a good player, a talented guy. He's got a lot to learn, a lot to develop, but he's obviously talented."

This seemingly casual exchange has ignited a broader discussion about Shedeur Sanders' NFL potential and the Browns' ongoing search for quarterback stability. The Browns have invested heavily in Deshaun Watson, but performance has been inconsistent, and questions about his long-term viability as the franchise quarterback persist. The team is currently navigating a delicate balance: supporting Watson while simultaneously exploring future options.

Shedeur Sanders' 2023 season at Jackson State was undeniably impressive. He threw for 2,984 yards, a staggering 33 touchdowns, and remarkably only six interceptions. These statistics, while impressive in the context of the SWAC, naturally lead to questions about his ability to translate that success to the NFL. The jump in competition is significant, and scouts will be closely evaluating his arm strength, decision-making under pressure, and ability to read complex NFL defenses.

Beyond the Hype: Assessing Sanders' Pro Potential

The narrative surrounding Shedeur Sanders is inextricably linked to his father's legendary status. Deion "Prime Time" Sanders is a Hall of Fame cornerback and a master of self-promotion, and that undoubtedly contributes to the buzz around his son. However, observers note that Shedeur possesses legitimate football skills, including a quick release, good accuracy, and the ability to extend plays with his legs. He's a dual-threat quarterback in the mold of players like Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts, though currently, his physical tools don't quite match their level.

Analysts point to the need for Sanders to refine his mechanics and demonstrate consistency against tougher competition. His decision-making, while generally sound at the FCS level, will be severely tested by NFL defensive coordinators. The Browns, like other teams, will be carefully scrutinizing film to determine if his current skillset can be molded into an NFL-caliber starter.

The Browns' Quarterback Landscape and the Future

Monken was quick to reiterate the team's current focus remains on Watson. "We're just focused on Deshaun [Watson] right now," he said, "but you're always looking for guys who can develop and get better." This highlights a standard NFL approach: evaluating all potential assets, even while committed to a current starter. The Browns have learned the hard way about the importance of quarterback depth and contingency plans.

Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders is already being discussed as a potential first-round pick. However, his draft stock will depend heavily on his performance in the upcoming 2024 and 2025 seasons. A move to a Power Five conference could significantly elevate his profile and provide a more accurate gauge of his NFL readiness. Several programs have reportedly expressed interest, recognizing the potential marketing boost and the athletic talent.

If Sanders continues to develop and improve, the Browns could indeed find themselves in a position to consider him as a viable option in the future. While it's far too early to predict anything definitively, the possibility, as Deion Sanders suggested, is now firmly on the radar. The Browns, always seeking an edge, aren't dismissing any potential avenue to solidify the most crucial position in football. The situation bears watching, as Shedeur Sanders' trajectory could dramatically reshape the quarterback landscape in Cleveland.