3 reasons why Shedeur Sanders should be the Browns’ starting quarterback in Deshaun Watson’s absence

The Cleveland Browns selected Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, as their second quarterback in the 2025 draft.

3 reasons why Shedeur Sanders should be the Browns’ starting quarterback in Deshaun Watson’s absence

Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson (Images via ESPN/FOX News)

In one of the most surprising storylines of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders — once considered a surefire Day 1 pick — slipped to the fifth round before being scooped up by the Cleveland Browns at pick No. 144.

It was a move that stunned many, but could go down as one of the most consequential decisions of the draft. Now, with the quarterback position in flux and Deshaun Watson’s future riddled with uncertainty, the Browns have an unexpected opportunity to reset their franchise identity. And that begins with starting Sanders.

The popular opinion and voice in the industry currently are not favoring Sanders to start ahead of the three other names in the Browns roster. However, they should be looking at keeping him at centre for three reasons.

Here are those three compelling reasons why Shedeur Sanders should be under center when the 2025 season kicks off:

The Browns franchise needs a cultural reset

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback narrative has been dominated by drama and disappointment in the past two decades now. From forgotten Kelly Holcomb in 2003 to the infamous Brandon Weeden, the Browns quarterback room had as many as 13 consecutive quarterbacks holding office for under two years.

After mortgaging their future on Deshaun Watson in 2022, the Watson trade cost three first-round picks and came with a first of a kind $230 million fully guaranteed contract. Watson has underperformed on the field and sustained a injury mid-season. As for the latest updates, he remains unavailable due to a re-torn Achilles, clouding any plans for a stable future. The off-field chaos surrounding him isn’t helping anyone associated with him.

The surprising reason behind a top 7 NFL draft team passing on Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

And this marks the opening that Shedeur Sanders can start with. The young rookie can change the overall outlook of the Browns quarterback room. Yes, it is a fact that he’s considered as an entitled person. However, the media’s reaction to how he handled the whole prank call scene conveyed that the public opinion about Sanders can get better in the coming days.

There’s also a huge fan boost after the Sanders in the fifth round. Despite being a fifth round pick, Sanders’ jersey has received most orders in the days since the draft. In many ways, posting Sanders in the center is a gateway to a cultural shift and a fresh beginning as well.

A natural fit for Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system

Head coach Kevin Stefanski has shown a knack for tailoring offenses to quarterbacks with accurate short-game mechanics and intelligent decision-making. From Case Keenum to Kirk Cousins, Stefanski thrives with signal-callers who execute efficiently rather than rely solely on arm strength or improvisation.

Kevin Stefanski
Kevin Stefanski (Images via Dawgs By Nature)

In an article, ESPN’s Matt Bowen noted the same, comparing Sanders’ high completion rate and play structures to Stefanski’s foundational structure.

Sanders is accurate (74% completion rate last season) plays with poise and shows toughness in the pocket, so I see him as a smart fit for Kevin Stefanski’s offensive structure. The Browns could mirror their run and pass games to set Sanders up with play-action opportunities — which in turn create timing throws. That’s a foundational part of their offense.

Matt Bowen wrote

Sanders fits that mold perfectly. Though he occasionally held the ball too long in college, he has demonstrated excellent field vision, the ability to work through progressions, and poise under pressure. He’s accurate on short to intermediate throws and smart with the football — two pillars of Stefanski’s system. With the right scheme, Sanders could shine sooner than expected.

Low-risk, high-reward investment

One of the most striking points as to why Shedeur Sanders should be wearing the starting jersey coming season is his low-risk nature. The Browns didn’t spend a first- or second-round pick to land Sanders. They traded two late-round picks for a player once touted (atleast) as a potential first-rounder.

That’s a bargain in any draft class, especially at the quarterback position. Starting Sanders doesn’t carry the same pressure or risk as handing the reins to a heavily invested rookie.

If he succeeds, the Browns will have solved their quarterback problem for a fraction of the cost. If he struggles, they still have veteran options like Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. It’s a low-stakes opportunity with the potential for a franchise-altering payoff.

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