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Fox Sports'' NFL Analyst Argues Browns May Cut Ties With Shedeur Sanders After 2025 Season

FOX Sports NFL Analyst Argues Browns May Cut Ties With Shedeur Sanders After 2025 Season

In a bold and provocative take that's stirring up debate among NFL fans and analysts alike, a prominent FOX Sports NFL commentator has suggested that the Cleveland Browns could potentially part ways with quarterback Shedeur Sanders as early as after the 2025 season—if they even decide to draft him in the first place. This opinion, shared during a recent segment on FOX's NFL coverage, highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Browns' quarterback situation and raises questions about the long-term viability of high-profile prospects like Sanders in a franchise known for its turbulent history at the position. While Sanders, the standout quarterback from Colorado and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, is widely projected as a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the analyst argues that the Browns' organizational dynamics, combined with Sanders' own playing style and potential adjustment challenges, could lead to a swift and unceremonious exit.

To understand this perspective, it's essential to delve into the Browns' current quarterback conundrum. The team has been anchored—or perhaps burdened—by Deshaun Watson since acquiring him in a blockbuster trade in 2022. Watson, once considered one of the league's elite talents during his time with the Houston Texans, has struggled to recapture that form in Cleveland. Plagued by injuries, off-field controversies, and inconsistent performances, Watson's massive fully guaranteed contract has become a financial albatross for the franchise. With over $200 million committed to him through 2026, the Browns face salary cap constraints that make any quarterback transition tricky. Yet, as the 2024 season unfolds with the Browns hovering around mediocrity, speculation about their draft strategy for 2025 has intensified. If Cleveland secures a high draft pick—potentially in the top five—they could be in prime position to select Sanders, who has dazzled college football audiences with his poise, arm strength, and leadership.

The FOX analyst, drawing from years of observing NFL trends, posits that drafting Sanders might seem like a fresh start but could quickly devolve into another chapter in the Browns' long saga of quarterback instability. "Look, Shedeur is electric in college, no doubt about it," the analyst stated during the broadcast. "He's got the pedigree, the swagger, and the skills to make plays. But the NFL is a different beast, especially in a place like Cleveland where the pressure is immense and the supporting cast isn't always championship-caliber. If the Browns take him, I wouldn't be shocked if they bail after one year. It's not about talent; it's about fit and patience—or the lack thereof."

This argument hinges on several key factors. First, Sanders' transition from college to the pros. At Colorado, under the guidance of his father, Deion Sanders (now the head coach), Shedeur has operated in a system tailored to his strengths: quick reads, a spread offense, and ample protection from a revamped offensive line. He's thrown for impressive yardage and touchdowns, showcasing pinpoint accuracy and the ability to extend plays with his mobility. However, critics, including this FOX analyst, point out that Sanders has occasionally displayed tendencies that could be problematic in the NFL—such as holding onto the ball too long, leading to sacks, or relying heavily on his natural athleticism rather than refined mechanics. In the rough-and-tumble AFC North, where defenses like those of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens feast on inexperienced quarterbacks, Sanders might face a steep learning curve. The analyst compares this to other high-profile busts, like Johnny Manziel, who was drafted by the Browns in 2014 and flamed out after just two seasons due to a combination of on-field struggles and off-field issues.

Moreover, the Browns' organizational impatience plays a central role in this prediction. Cleveland has cycled through more starting quarterbacks than any other team since 1999, with names like Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield, and now Watson all failing to provide long-term stability. The front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski, has shown a willingness to make bold moves but also a quick trigger finger when results don't materialize. If Sanders is drafted and thrust into the starting role—perhaps as a rookie if Watson's performance continues to falter—the pressure to win immediately could be overwhelming. The analyst envisions a scenario where Sanders starts the 2025 season, shows flashes of brilliance but also the inevitable growing pains of a first-year pro, leading to a subpar team record. With Watson's contract still looming large, the Browns might opt to cut bait on Sanders rather than invest further, perhaps trading him or releasing him outright to pursue yet another option via free agency or a later draft.

Expanding on this, the analyst draws parallels to recent NFL examples where teams have moved on from young quarterbacks prematurely. Take the Carolina Panthers' handling of Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, who was benched early in his second season amid poor team performance. Or the New York Jets' saga with Zach Wilson, drafted second overall in 2021, only to be traded after three underwhelming years. "Teams are less patient now than ever," the analyst explained. "In the salary cap era, with analytics driving decisions, if a quarterback doesn't hit the ground running, you're looking at a reset. Sanders has the 'it' factor, but if he doesn't mesh with Stefanski's scheme—which emphasizes timing, precision, and a strong running game—he could be out the door faster than you think."

Of course, this take isn't without its counterarguments. Proponents of Sanders highlight his intangibles: the confidence instilled by his father's Hall of Fame influence, his ability to elevate teammates, and his proven track record in high-stakes games. At Colorado, Sanders has led the Buffaloes to unexpected success, turning a struggling program into a national talking point. Scouts praise his deep-ball accuracy, pocket presence, and decision-making under pressure, qualities that could translate well to the pros. If the Browns draft him, pairing him with talents like wide receiver Amari Cooper, tight end David Njoku, and a potentially healthy Nick Chubb could create a dynamic offense. Furthermore, Sanders' marketability—thanks to his family's celebrity status—could bring positive attention to a franchise often mired in negativity.

Yet, the FOX analyst remains skeptical, emphasizing the Browns' history of dysfunction. "This isn't just about Sanders; it's about the Browns being the Browns," he quipped. "They've got a Super Bowl-caliber defense, but the offense has been a revolving door. If they draft Shedeur and he doesn't immediately solve their problems, the fanbase will turn, the media will pounce, and the front office will look for the next shiny object. Cutting ties after 2025? It's not as far-fetched as it sounds."

This opinion has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media and sports talk shows. Some fans accuse the analyst of being overly pessimistic, arguing that Sanders' upside far outweighs the risks. Others see merit in the cautionary tale, pointing to the Browns' pattern of quarterback mishandling. Deion Sanders himself has been vocal about his son's NFL prospects, often touting Shedeur as a "franchise changer" and even hinting at preferences for certain teams. While Deion has publicly stated he'd like his son to avoid cold-weather cities like Cleveland, the draft's unpredictability could land Shedeur there regardless.

In broader terms, this discussion underscores the high-stakes nature of the NFL Draft, particularly for quarterbacks. With the 2025 class featuring other intriguing prospects like Miami's Cam Ward or Texas' Quinn Ewers, the Browns have options. But if they bet on Sanders, the analyst warns, they must commit fully—or risk another wasted opportunity. As the 2024 season progresses and draft positioning solidifies, all eyes will be on Cleveland's decision-making. Will they take the plunge with Sanders, only to potentially sever ties after a single season? Only time will tell, but this FOX Sports take serves as a reminder that in the NFL, even the brightest stars can flicker out quickly if the environment isn't right.

Ultimately, the analyst's argument boils down to a mix of realism and speculation, blending Sanders' potential pitfalls with the Browns' institutional challenges. It's a narrative that resonates in a league where quarterback success is as much about circumstance as it is about skill. As we approach the draft, this perspective adds another layer to the intrigue surrounding one of college football's most hyped players and one of the NFL's most enigmatic franchises. Whether Sanders ends up in Cleveland or elsewhere, his journey will be one to watch, with the possibility of a short-lived stint serving as a cautionary subplot. (Word count: 1,248)

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