Jun 2, 2026, 2:59 PM ET

After a polarizing slide during the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders' rookie campaign came with virtually no guarantee to see the field as the second quarterback drafted by the Cleveland Browns last year. Much to the chagrin of his fervent fanbase, Sanders was given few preseason opportunities in Cleveland's four-quarterback race, and only after trades of veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco did Sanders' path to playing time arrive. It was via a Week 11 injury to then-starter Dillon Gabriel, who struggled to a (1-5) record and had issues pushing the ball vertically, per a 6.4 average depth of target (aDOT). Sanders' increased size and arm strength made an immediate impact. He was named the starter in Week 12 and never gave the job back, posting a (3-4) record on the strength of the team's defense. The counting stats for the former Colorado star were disappointing, including just 6.6 yards per pass attempt and a 7:10 TD:INT ratio. The Browns offense completely bottomed out due to offensive line injuries, a lack of perimeter weapons, and a Week 16 season-ending ankle injury to Quinshon Judkins. Deshaun Watson (Achilles) missed the entire 2025 season due to an Achilles injury. Watson will have $45 million guaranteed his way this year. The embattled former Pro Bowler has the inside track to beat out Sanders for the starting job. If Watson struggles, the team would presumably take a second look at Sanders before committing to a quarterback in what projects to be a stellar 2027 draft class for passers. The Browns' QB1 won't be a priority in standard fantasy formats, but committing to a duo of Watson and Sanders in superflex leagues could be an intriguing solution to a roster's QB2 spot following upgrades on the offensive line and at wide receiver in April's draft. The Browns drafted wide recievers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, and OT Spencer Fano with their first three picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. New head coach Todd Monken will also call plays this season. Projected to start 2026 on the bench, Sanders, specifically, slots 299th overall in RotoBaller's PPR rankings, but if he's ever presented the opportunity to start, he was quietly 14th in rushing yards per game among quarterbacks (21.1) if some of these systemic improvements aid his passing efficiency.--Austin Swaim