The last seven games for the Cleveland Browns, with rookie Shedeur Sanders at quarterback, certainly showed progress for a team that ran what’s been ranked as the worst offense in the NFL. The Browns were no juggernaut, but they closed with a 3-4 record in Sanders’ seven starts and showed glimpses of becoming a credible offense with Sanders under center.
Sanders was hardly great–he threw for 1,400 yards in eight games with 10 interceptions and seven touchdowns, posting a 68.1 quarterback rating, but the team did seem to rally around him and he seemed to at least deserve a crack at being the starter in 2026.
He may yet get that chance. But on Monday, after the Browns announced the firing of coach Kevin Stefanski, general manager Andrew Berry said that he was not committing to making Sanders the starter in 2026.
Berry: Shedeur Sanders Is ‘Very Much a Work in Progress’
In front a throng of Browns reporters, Berry addressed the dismissal of Stefanski before the questions turned to Sanders. It’s been reported that it was Berry who pushed for the selection of Sanders in the fifth round amid his massive NFL draft fall last April. Berry had several positives to dole out to Sanders.
“I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year. I think that’s both mentally, physically, playing the position,” Berry said. “He’s still very much a work in progress, like many rookie quarterbacks are, but I think we saw some really good things in terms of his play-making, his accuracy, his ability to extend plays with his feet.
“I think I would also give him credit, along with our offensive stats, for bringing him along in terms of his pocket management, his situational awareness, and things of that nature.
GettyCleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry
Browns Not Committed to Shedeur Sanders
But all that does not mean Berry is ready to crown Sanders the Browns’ QB1 in 2026. He was very clear that the team will explore all options, and that whomever they pick as the next coach of the team will have a say in how the QB race plays out.
“Now that all means that we’re gonna do out work on the quarterback market. It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified,” Berry said. “I can’t sit here and tell you today whether the solution for the starter in 2026 is internal or external. It’s something that we’re going to work through over the next several weeks, and quite honestly, the new head coach will have a lot of input on that as well.”
Browns Will Hold QB as ‘Priority No. 1’
Berry added that it was “too early” to tell if the Browns might have an interest in a quarterback in April’s draft, and that there is yet to be a lot of work determining who would be worthwhile in that field. The Browns will also consider free-agent options.
“Quarterback is the most important position in sports. We all know that,” Berry said. “And part of the equation with quarterback is the evaluation part, but part of it is the development part as well. It’s the most important part because it is the hardest position to play. It can take time but, look, that’s the focus, solidifying that position, that’s the biggest thing that can lead to sustainable success. That’s priority No. 1.
“How we accomplish that with the combination of internal options, external veteran options, the draft—that remains to be seen. But priority No. 1 is finding the leader for the organization.”
Browns GM Announces Decision on Shedeur Sanders Future