HOF Emmitt Smith Defends Shedeur Sanders After Tim Hasselbeck’s Brutal 2nd-String QB Assessment

Shedeur Sanders faces split opinions after new Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken seemingly left his status open.

HOF Emmitt Smith Defends Shedeur Sanders After Tim Hasselbeck’s Brutal 2nd-String QB Assessment

Tim Hasselbeck, Shedeur Sanders, and Emmitt Smith (Image via FanDuel Sportsbook/SS/X)

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Football aficionados are still getting to grips with watching Shedeur Sanders participate in his first Pro Bowl appearance, especially after his selection drew extreme backlash.

They felt the rookie did not warrant that call, especially when other AFC quarterbacks were available with better statistics over the 2025 season. However, it quickly became clear that the NFL knew what they were doing in its efforts to revive fan interest in the festivities.

In the midst of this, the Cleveland Browns unveiled their new head coach, Todd Monken, to the media. And in his first press conference, the 59-year-old stated that he did not have a definite role ready for Shedeur Sanders.

What does Cleveland have? Absolutely nothing. So what’s the debate?… He hasn’t played enough, and they haven’t given him enough chances to be on the football field. And when he’s on the football field, they (Browns players) feel better. They look better.

Emmitt Smith said on Up & Adams

The Hall of Famer went on a rant about how his former teammate’s son has been the de facto leader on the offensive side of the Cleveland Browns, and how the team has responded with him leading the line.

Those to him are marks of a true leader who can galvanize an entire organization toward success. Emmitt Smith believes that, either way, the Browns do not have much to go with, so why can’t they place their trust in their best QB, even though other franchises have done with worse?

Tim Hasselbeck believes Shedeur Sanders is a second-string QB at best

The reason Emmitt Smith went on an explosive rant to defend Shedeur Sanders was because of the narratives that have been forming over the last few days.

After Todd Monken’s ‘to be decided’ remark, former signal caller Tim Hasselbeck had an even harsher approach when giving a reality check to fans about the Browns QB’s true potential.

They won’t, and I mean that’s just the reality of it. I’m sure he’ll be on the roster because he’s on a rookie contract, or at least he’ll be on the training camp roster… I mean, quite frankly, I don’t think he would even enter training camp as the second guy on the roster.

Tim Hasselbeck said on Get Up

The analyst said this when show host Mike Greenberg asked if the Cleveland Browns would be built around their fifth-round pick. It seems Hasselbeck does not believe that Monken wants to do so.

He reiterated that any new head coach wants to win football games right away and build toward the future, which he believes will be difficult for the new Browns HC if he depends on Sanders.

Hearing this, Greenberg asked if this was only with the Ohio-based franchise or if the 23-year-old could do it elsewhere. Hasselbeck reminded the host that he was never high on Shedeur Sanders even before the draft.

Denzel Ward not ready to endorse Shedeur Sanders for QB1

With the Cleveland Browns’ QB1 status open, Kay Adams had Denzel Ward on her show at Levi’s Stadium and decided to ask from a player’s perspective if Shedeur Sanders had the job.

Shedeur Sanders and Denzel Ward at the Pro Bowl
Shedeur Sanders and Denzel Ward at the Pro Bowl (Image via Browns/X)

That’s not my decision to make… We got guys still on the roster that is going to provide good competition at that position. Looking forward to seeing that happen, and let the best guy win… He’s definitely in a good position to get that starting spot if he wants to go get it.

Denzel Ward replied

He did not endorse his rookie publicly, as that would directly undermine their new head coach. However, he did mention that the 144th overall pick is in the prime position to win the job.

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