Source + player page
NFL - The Athletic fantasy football takes on Shedeur Sanders
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from NFL - The Athletic about Shedeur Sanders.
5
Insights
1
Positive
2
Negative
Insight ledger
All NFL - The Athletic insights about Shedeur Sanders
NegativeProjectionJul 7, 2026
Sanders fell to No. 144 overall (sixth QB selected) in the 2025 draft despite the source arguing he deserved to be drafted toward the end of the third round. As a rookie starter in Cleveland, he earned seven starts and threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His -.25 EPA/attempt ranked 26th among 32 rookie starters since 2020, and he ranked No. 1 in pressure rate (55.3 percent). His biggest flaw remains playing on 'Shedeur Sanders time' rather than on time with the offense; he ranked dead last among NFL rookie starters since 2020 in average time to throw (3.20 seconds). His processing from the pocket was problematic—he tended to be either too indecisive or in search of the fastest possible outlet regardless of coverage. Unlike supremely gifted passers such as Caleb Williams or Josh Allen, the source emphasizes Sanders cannot sustain a career playing with such a high margin for error. However, Sanders displayed above-average aptitude for sensing the rush and smoothly evading it; when playing fast and on the move, he delivered catchable and accurate throws with anticipation. His game versus Tennessee (23-for-42, 364 yards, three passing TDs, one rushing TD, one pick in a narrow loss) demonstrated he is capable of being a solid No. 2 NFL quarterback. The source projects Sanders as a reliable backup who can hold the fort for a few weeks if a starter gets hurt—comparable to Andy Dalton or Teddy Bridgewater—and notes there is still a role for Sanders in Cleveland and in the NFL at large if his grasp of NFL offenses and defensive speed continues to improve.PositiveRoleJun 16, 2026
Browns QB likely to get an opportunity to start at some point this season if not Week 1 starter. The source prefers Sanders over Watson and Sorsby, stating 'if forced to choose between the two, it isn't close. I'd take Sanders every time' when comparing Sanders to Watson; positioned as the more viable QB option despite the Browns' overall QB room dysfunction.NegativeRoleJun 3, 2026
Competing for the Browns' starting quarterback role in preseason Week 3 on Aug. 27, when the defending AFC champion New England Patriots visit Cleveland, alongside Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson.NegativeRoleJun 2, 2026
The source groups Sanders with Watson as a potential long-term solution the Browns do not actually believe in; the Garrett trade implies the Browns are not confident Sanders is the ultimate answer, and if they were, there would be no plans to start Watson and no reason to trade Garrett.NegativeProjectionJun 1, 2026
The Browns have quietly been sending messages that Shedeur Sanders is not viewed as the long-term answer at quarterback. The source notes that the Garrett trade signals this loudly, as the team continues to pursue additional first-round draft picks in the 2027 draft—expected to have a bounty of quarterbacks—rather than committing to Sanders as their franchise solution.