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Dawgs By Nature fantasy football takes on Shedeur Sanders
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Dawgs By Nature about Shedeur Sanders.
80
Insights
16
Positive
27
Negative
Insight ledger
All Dawgs By Nature insights about Shedeur Sanders
NegativeDepth ChartOct 28, 2026
Shedeur Sanders' backup QB role is in question following Dillon Gabriel's activation to the 53-man roster. While most expected Sanders to remain in his backup role after Gabriel's activation, HC Todd Monken has not committed to a decision. Few believe Sanders has significant trade market value. The final decision between Sanders and Gabriel for the backup position will be determined 90 minutes before Week 8 kickoff when inactive reports are released.NegativeRoleOct 25, 2026
Sanders is confirmed as QB2 on the Browns' depth chart and will remain in the backup role behind starter Deshaun Watson. The team is planning to keep Sanders on the 53-man roster alongside Watson, Dillon Gabriel (QB3), and Taylen Green (QB4).PositiveProjectionOct 25, 2026
Shedeur Sanders had a dominant performance against Cleveland on December 7, 2025, throwing for 364 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for 1 touchdown. This recent matchup history suggests strong upside against the Browns defense in the upcoming October 25, 2026 meeting.NegativeDepth ChartOct 20, 2026
Sanders recently hired an agent, signaling potential roster movement despite appearing unlikely to see the field this season. The source speculates that with the Browns planning a new quarterback room in 2027 and multiple teams weekly entering quarterback need, Sanders' agent may explore trade opportunities, particularly given the Eagles' QB situation and the connection between Browns GM Andrew Berry and Eagles assistant GM Adam Berry.PositiveRoleOct 17, 2026
Second-year QB Shedeur Sanders is viewed as more likely to replace Watson as the starter in 2026 than Watson signing a contract extension; Browns GM Andrew Berry has great affection for Sanders, whom he drafted 18 months ago, making a trade unlikely despite Sanders hiring an agent for the first time; Sanders showed growth in preseason and training camp after a poor rookie season and is on a fifth-round rookie contract for another two-plus years, while Watson is not under contract beyond this season and has a history of injuries.NegativeRoleOct 15, 2026
Sanders' decision to hire an agent for the first time in his NFL career has sparked trade speculation, drawing comparisons to WR Marvin Harrison Jr.'s recent agent hiring; the move signals potential roster movement and uncertainty around his future with the team amid ongoing offensive line concerns.NegativeProjectionOct 14, 2026
The source notes that Sanders' recent decision to hire an agent—after not hiring one during the draft process—in week 5 of his second season signals potential trade speculation; the timing and agent choice (same as teammate Travis Hunter) could indicate Sanders expects to be traded, wants to be traded, or was informed by the Browns he might be traded, though the source acknowledges this is speculative and could simply reflect a personal decision to hire representation.NegativeRoleOct 14, 2026
Sanders has played only one snap for the 3-2 Browns this season after losing the starting quarterback competition to Deshaun Watson, leaving him stuck behind Watson in year 2 of a 4-year rookie deal with 12 games and 2 years remaining.NegativeRoleOct 11, 2026
Prior to Cleveland's strong 3-1 start, most expected Shedeur Sanders to get an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities this season before the Browns used their extensive draft capital to address the quarterback position. However, with the team's early success, the 31-year-old Watson could now be the plan for the immediate future, potentially diminishing Sanders' near-term opportunity.NegativeProjectionOct 10, 2026
Shedeur Sanders ties franchise legend Jim Brown in one area; the source draws a comparison between the Browns QB and the franchise's greatest player, suggesting a notable statistical or performance parallel worth noting.NegativeRoleOct 9, 2026
Backup QB with minimal field time this season; has seen the field for only one play despite Deshaun Watson's mini-resurgence. Jersey ranked No. 5 in sales among all NFL players heading into the season, indicating strong off-field popularity that has not waned despite limited on-field success as a rookie.NegativeDepth ChartOct 7, 2026
Shedeur Sanders news has prompted a quarterback roster move decision for the Browns, affecting the composition and competition within Cleveland's quarterback room.NegativeRoleOct 6, 2026
Trade rumors surrounding Shedeur Sanders are logical but unlikely based on Monday reporting; the source notes that while everyone has a price and Andrew Berry would listen to offers, a trade is not expected to materialize.PositiveProjectionOct 5, 2026
HC Todd Monken's work with Watson and Sanders pushing the veteran throughout training camp could raise Sanders' stock in the league; there has been conversation that Watson's positive performance could be a positive indication for Sanders' development.NegativeRoleOct 5, 2026
Sanders lost the quarterback battle with starting QB Deshaun Watson; Gabriel's pending return could lead to Sanders being on the move, with trade rumors fueled by ESPN's Dan Graziano noting that young developmental QBs like Sanders could be interesting to teams seeking a change of scenery.NegativeProjectionOct 5, 2026
Sanders completed 57% of his passes as a rookie for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions; his overall performance has been ranked at the bottom of the league multiple times, though the surrounding cast and offensive system did not help any of Cleveland's quarterbacks.NegativeDepth ChartOct 4, 2026
Backup QB and fifth-round draft pick; the original plan was for him to start in the home opener if Watson underperformed in the first two games, but Watson's turnaround has kept Sanders on the bench. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler notes that Sanders, along with Gabriel, is a trade candidate if the Browns receive the right offer, as the team values flexibility and is willing to move backup QBs at the right price.NegativeProjectionOct 1, 2026
In the Browns' 13-6 win over the Steelers on December 28, 2025, Shedeur Sanders started at QB and threw 1 TD and 2 INT; Pittsburgh struggled to get anything going in the passing game despite the Steelers' offensive weapons.NegativeDepth ChartSep 29, 2026
Shedeur Sanders remains a potential replacement option for Deshaun Watson at some point this season, but Watson's recent strong performance has quieted immediate speculation about a depth chart change.NegativeRoleSep 27, 2026
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders entered the game for his first action of the season on Cleveland's final touchdown drive after Deshaun Watson took a big hit. Despite having no first-team reps since the preseason, Sanders completed his only pass attempt for zero yards, finishing with a perfect completion percentage.NegativeRoleSep 26, 2026
The Browns QB has received recognition from the NFLPA ahead of Week 3 for being a good teammate and person; however, the source notes the Browns would trade Sanders in a heartbeat if a suitable offer came along.NegativeRoleSep 25, 2026
Questions persist about Sanders' role and future with the Browns; some have written him off as nothing more than a backup, while others believe he will shine when he gets a chance. Former Browns OL Joel Bitonio and fellow Cleveland legend QB Bernie Kosar have both recently shared thoughts on Sanders' development and potential.NegativeRoleSep 25, 2026
Secondary trade candidate for Giants; Giants showed draft interest in 2025 and could revisit pursuit under new coach John Harbaugh; significant off-field concerns and media attention may deter trade; didn't feel he 'hit it off' with Giants in prior draft process; ESPN's Stephen A. Smith advocates Giants should pursue him.NegativeDepth ChartSep 24, 2026
Sanders was expected to get playing time in the Browns' 2026 quarterback rotation after Watson's initial stint, with the team planning to 'see what they had' with him before moving to other backup options.NegativeDepth ChartSep 22, 2026
Shedeur Sanders remains the backup quarterback waiting in the wings for the Browns; the source indicates Watson gives the Browns a much better chance to win than Sanders, and Sanders is positioned to take over only as soon as Cleveland has had enough of Watson. This reflects Sanders' status as a depth chart backup without immediate playing time prospects.PositiveRoleSep 20, 2026
Sanders is positioned to become the Browns starter in Week 3 if Watson performs poorly in Week 2 against Tampa Bay; the source indicates that a bad game from Watson would likely trigger Sanders' promotion, with the reevaluation serving as a natural evaluation point after back-to-back road games.PositiveRoleSep 19, 2026
Backup QB expected to take over the Browns starting role sooner rather than later; fans' tolerance for Deshaun Watson's performance is contingent on the expectation that Sanders will get his shot at starting again in the near term; Week 1 blowout loss and poor QB play accelerate the timeline for a potential QB change.PositiveRoleSep 19, 2026
Sanders is positioned as a potential starting QB alternative to Deshaun Watson; the Browns' signing of his favorite college target Jimmy Horn Jr. suggests organizational confidence in Sanders' future role, and Bernie Kosar's comparison indicates Sanders could reach elite QB status if he becomes the Browns' top-flight starter.PositiveRoleSep 18, 2026
Quarterback waiting in the wings as potential replacement for Deshaun Watson; characterized by impressive work ethic; speculation about his role has intensified with the signing of his former Colorado teammate Jimmy Horn Jr. to the practice squad.PositiveRoleSep 18, 2026
Sanders is waiting in the wings as the backup QB behind Watson; Bernie Kosar praised Sanders' game, saying 'I've loved what I've seen in Shedeur Sanders.' Last year as a fifth-round rookie and third QB to start for Cleveland, Sanders completed 57% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The Browns signing Sanders' former Colorado teammate WR Jimmy Horn Jr. is viewed by some as an indicator of a plan to move Sanders back into the starting lineup soon.NegativeRoleSep 17, 2026
QB Shedeur Sanders reunites with college teammate WR Jimmy Horn Jr. in Cleveland after Browns sign Horn to practice squad; Sanders and Horn spent final two college seasons together at University of Colorado.NegativeRoleSep 13, 2026
Many fans called for Shedeur Sanders to replace Deshaun Watson throughout Week 1 following Watson's poor performance; however, one scoring play to Denzel Boston and Monken's post-game refusal to blame Watson suggest Sanders will not get the starting job despite the fan pressure.NegativeDepth ChartSep 13, 2026
Officially confirmed as the Cleveland Browns backup quarterback for Week 1, as head coach Todd Monken stated would happen; starter Deshaun Watson is the primary QB.PositiveValueSep 12, 2026
Sanders is the most popular QB in the Browns room and the backup to Watson; the team never planned to cut him at any point, signaling confidence in his roster spot and potential trade value if other teams experience QB attrition.NegativeDepth ChartSep 11, 2026
Backup quarterback one snap away from stepping in as Cleveland's starter; positioned as the emergency starter behind the primary Week 1 starter.NegativeDepth ChartSep 10, 2026
Second-year quarterback passed over for Week 1 starter role in favor of veteran Deshaun Watson. Head coach Todd Monken determined Sanders 'didn't give him a legitimate reason to start him' based on full body of work through OTAs and training camp. While Sanders is younger with more upside and preferred by fans, Monken chose the veteran to avoid an emotional decision and maintain locker room cohesion before the season opener.NegativeRoleSep 10, 2026
Backup quarterback with potential upside but uncertain future with the team; questions remain about whether he will remain part of the long-term quarterback plan.NegativeDepth ChartSep 10, 2026
Head coach Todd Monken confirmed that Shedeur Sanders is the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart for the Browns' Week 1 opener against Jacksonville, maintaining his backup role behind Deshaun Watson.PositiveProjectionSep 9, 2026
The source identifies Shedeur Sanders as a possible fit for the Browns' 2027 quarterback need, noting 'we would include the possibility, even if slim, that Shedeur Sanders could be that guy' to complete a young roster built around skill position players and a young defensive core.NegativeProjectionSep 8, 2026
The Athletic's new Quarterback Index (QBI) data ranks Shedeur Sanders the lowest among all quarterbacks by a significant margin; the QBI metric attempts to isolate quarterback play from contextual factors and weed out external influences, adding to the negative evaluation of Sanders' performance.NegativeDepth ChartSep 8, 2026
Shedeur Sanders' QB2 status is uncertain heading into the Jaguars opener; Browns HC Todd Monken may have an alternative plan in mind rather than naming Sanders the active backup, suggesting potential benching or role reduction for the young quarterback.NegativeDepth ChartSep 7, 2026
Expected to be named backup QB with Green as emergency third, but Monken's cryptic comments suggest Sanders may not be trusted as a viable backup. The source interprets Monken's hedging as evidence that 'he is nowhere near being a starting quarterback and still needs considerable work before they even consider him a viable backup option.'NegativeProjectionSep 7, 2026
The Athletic's Mike Sando ranked Sanders last overall in his annual QB tier ranking, placing him in the lowest tier alongside Deshaun Watson. The Quarterback Index (QBI) metric scored Sanders at 47, significantly below all other starting QBs; his 2025 season performance was approximately 40% worse than the next-ranked quarterbacks (JJ McCarthy at 76, Tua Tagovailoa at 78, Cam Ward at 78). The QBI metric isolates quarterback performance from supporting cast contributions, crediting only what the quarterback provides on a per-play basis, yet Sanders still ranked last. Sando's commentary on Sanders was notably harsh: 'I'd sleep like a baby if I got to play him every week.' SB Nation's quarterback data also had Sanders' 2025 performance at the bottom of the league.PositiveProjectionSep 7, 2026
Sanders is identified as a likely future Browns quarterback prospect from the 2027 NFL draft class; the source notes that Week 1 college football performance from the potential 2027 draft class of quarterbacks gives reason for excitement about the future, positioning Sanders as part of the Browns' long-term quarterback development plan.NegativeProjectionSep 7, 2026
Sanders came into the NFL unprepared for the speed of NFL defenders, a common rookie adjustment. In practice, he faces elite competition daily from Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, mirroring the competitive environment that historically forced Browns receivers like Brian Brennan, Webster Slaughter, and Reggie Langhorne to elevate their play. This daily exposure to elite defensive talent is part of his development process.NegativeProjectionSep 7, 2026
Sanders showed development from his rookie year to his second season, with improved downfield vision and processing. However, he remains a developmental player who needs continued work on decision-making and ball security. Bitonio emphasized that Sanders' improvement is evident but he requires more time to learn and process as a young quarterback before he is ready to compete for the starting role.NegativeProjectionSep 7, 2026
Joel Bitonio, a 13-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman who saw Sanders in live games and practice, identified critical development gaps: Sanders lacks anticipation and takes too long to throw. Bitonio noted that while Sanders shows improvement from his rookie year and looks downfield more, he isn't ready for the NFL pace; taking over three seconds to throw is unmanageable even with elite pass protection. Sanders is productive only when he has a clean pocket and must learn to process faster and get the ball out quicker.NegativeRoleSep 7, 2026
Todd Monken chose Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback over Sanders following an open training camp competition. Monken's decision was likely based on practice performance against Cleveland's defense (last year's #4 unit) rather than preseason games against second- and third-string opponents.NegativeProjectionSep 5, 2026
Sanders is one of several quarterback options (alongside Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green) the source lists as potential starters. The source expresses concern that regardless of which QB starts, poor quarterback play could handicap the offense and negatively impact the development of young offensive weapons.NegativeProjectionSep 5, 2026
Sanders is part of the Browns QB rotation that underperformed in 2025, combining with Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel to produce only 2,808 passing yards (second-fewest in NFL) and 16 touchdowns against 18 interceptions. The source indicates the Browns will need significantly better QB play in 2026, requiring approximately 600 additional passing yards (36 per game) to reach playoff-caliber performance benchmarks set by Eagles (3,303) and Steelers (3,440).NegativeDepth ChartSep 2, 2026
The Browns chose Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback, a decision that answered the depth-chart question without ending the debate over who actually gives the team the best chance to win.PositiveRoleSep 1, 2026
Sanders is positioned as the Browns' new starting quarterback. The source speculates that the quarterback room strategy—keeping Gabriel on IR and maintaining Taylen Green as a backup—is designed so that when Deshaun Watson inevitably gets injured, Gabriel will be available as an experienced backup to Sanders rather than relying on the unproven Green or free agent options.NegativeDepth ChartSep 1, 2026
Shedeur Sanders made the Browns' initial 53-man roster as one of four quarterbacks kept in the organization. However, the source suggests that Joe Milton's potential arrival would likely end Sanders' time in Cleveland, indicating his roster security is uncertain despite making the initial 53-man cut.NegativeDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
Sanders lost quarterback competitions in back-to-back seasons: last year to aged Joe Flacco and undersized Dillon Gabriel, and this year to Deshaun Watson (who hasn't been good for half a decade and missed a year and a half). The addition of Joe Milton to the Browns would likely lead to Sanders' departure, as Milton's experience and athletic profile make him the preferred backup over the rookie Taylen Green; Sanders' repeated losses to inferior competition suggest the organization is not high on his talent.NegativeRoleAug 31, 2026
Sanders made the Browns' initial 53-man roster despite questions around his play; the source indicates uncertainty about Sanders' performance is a key reason the team kept multiple QB options active.NegativeDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
Sanders appears on both the 2025 and 2026 initial 53-man rosters as a backup QB, indicating roster continuity at the position despite overall QB room uncertainty.NegativeRoleAug 31, 2026
Passed over for Week 1 starting QB role in favor of Deshaun Watson; head coach Todd Monken's decision to start Watson instead was noted as unpopular with Browns fans, suggesting Sanders will begin the season in a backup capacity.NegativeDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
Shedeur Sanders is one of three quarterbacks on the Browns' initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season, alongside Taylen Green and Deshaun Watson.NegativeRoleAug 30, 2026
Named as backup quarterback behind Deshaun Watson for Week 1; the source describes this as an unpopular decision by head coach Todd Monken, with fan sentiment heavily negative (90%+ opposed to Watson starting). One commenter (Spidey) noted that in training camp and preseason, there was not much difference in TD/INT results between Sanders and Watson, but Watson appeared to have better command in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage, which influenced Monken's decision.NegativeRoleAug 29, 2026
Developmental QB who has not mastered NFL fundamentals despite full offseason program, OTAs, minicamps, and training camp; struggles with calling plays, audible volume for linemen, and ball release timing; ranked No. 60 in EPA/Play and No. 81 in Total EPA (-73.37) in rookie season, ahead of only Brady Cook, Geno Smith, and Cam Ward.PositiveDepth ChartAug 28, 2026
Sanders won the backup quarterback role over Dillon Gabriel and is projected to make the 53-man roster as the second-string quarterback behind Deshaun Watson, with Taylen Green as the third-stringer.NegativeRoleAug 27, 2026
Part of the Browns QB competition; positioned to see the field quickly if Watson's injury/durability issues limit his availability to six or fewer games as expected by most Cleveland fans.NegativeDepth ChartAug 27, 2026
Shedeur Sanders was passed over for the starting quarterback role by head coach Todd Monken in favor of Deshaun Watson, a decision that generated significant fanbase angst and signals Sanders is not the preferred option despite entering the season.NegativeDepth ChartAug 27, 2026
Lost the QB competition to Deshaun Watson and has been relegated to backup role. The source states 'the path to any future for Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland is narrowing' but notes that the path 'has not completely vanished because I have no faith that Deshaun Watson can stay healthy for an entire season or be productive enough to keep the job.' Sanders, a fifth-round draft choice from last year, was the primary competition to Watson, but the starter decision signals the organization's lack of confidence in his near-term prospects.NegativeRoleAug 26, 2026
Backup QB Shedeur Sanders will not play in the final preseason game against New England as the Browns rest key backups alongside their starters, limiting his opportunity for additional preseason reps before the August 30 roster cutdown.NegativeDepth ChartAug 26, 2026
Fifth-round draft pick from last year relegated to QB2 on the depth chart after losing the starting competition to Deshaun Watson. The source notes the competition was primarily between Watson and Sanders, with Watson's selection as starter effectively ending Sanders' path to the starting role.NegativeRoleAug 26, 2026
Competed with Deshaun Watson in the quarterback competition during spring and preseason; Todd Monken admitted for the first time that it was 'pretty obvious' Watson was ahead in the spring, but Sanders made it a competitive race.NegativeDepth ChartAug 25, 2026
Shedeur Sanders lost the starting quarterback competition to Deshaun Watson, with HC Todd Monken naming Watson the starter on Monday. Sanders will also not play in the final preseason game on Thursday.NegativeDepth ChartAug 25, 2026
Sanders was initially projected to be traded after Watson won the starting job, but a trade remains possible though unlikely after the veteran received the starting nod.PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026
Sanders was evaluated as a starting QB candidate throughout training camp and preseason games but was passed over for Watson; the coaching staff chose Watson for his experience, but Sanders offers more upside as a second-year player with significant room to develop, contrasting with Watson's declined play from his career peak.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Lost the Browns QB competition to Deshaun Watson despite widespread assumption that Watson's poor preseason performance and critical press conference would lead to Sanders winning the starting job. The source notes that 'everyone assuming that Deshaun Watson's performance on the field and in the press conference closed the door on him and would lead to Shedeur Sanders getting the starting job,' but head coach Todd Monken ultimately chose Watson as the Week 1 starter for 2026, leaving Sanders as a backup option with the 2027 draft class lurking as potential future alternatives.NegativeDepth ChartAug 25, 2026
Named backup quarterback behind Deshaun Watson. Sanders is taking all second-team reps as the Browns prepare for the regular season, with the coaching staff using the final weeks of camp to develop him.PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Shedeur Sanders competes with Deshaun Watson for the 2026 starting QB role under new head coach Todd Monken. Sanders started seven games in 2025 and is positioned as the likely replacement if Watson struggles or is injured. The source projects Sanders will take over as starter if the Browns begin 0-2 or 0-4, with Monken prepared to make the switch during the bye week if the team is winless after Week 9.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Shedeur Sanders lost the starting QB competition to Deshaun Watson for 2026. The source notes Monken will say nice things about Sanders and acknowledge he made the competition tight throughout the process, but the veteran Watson was ultimately chosen. Potential factors cited include easier transition from veteran to youngster than vice versa, possible trade interest in Sanders, and Sanders deferring to Watson to start the season.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Named backup QB after close competition with Deshaun Watson for the starting job. Both Sanders and Watson showed flashes of QB1 potential in HC Todd Monken's offense, but the decision ultimately favored Watson's experience. Sanders remains in position to take over as starter at any time if Watson's on-field performance declines, given the competitive nature of the decision and Watson's recent struggles.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Shedeur Sanders is competing with Deshaun Watson for the Browns' starting quarterback job. Head coach Todd Monken was expected to name a starter before the final preseason game but delayed the decision and now anticipates announcing the starter on Monday, three weeks before the season opener against Jacksonville.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Sanders is the other contender for the starter's role after one of the worst rookie seasons in the past 25 years. His key selling point is that he is not Deshaun Watson. From an on-field perspective, Sanders has not shown enough to be called QB1, but from an off-field perspective he is the call 100 times out of 100. Starting Sanders would finally put to rest excuses about his poor rookie performance, as he will have had several weeks of practice with the first-team offense and all starters in the huddle for Week 1. Even if the Browns open 0-2, there will still be grace given to the team with Sanders as starter.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Sanders was given the start in the second preseason game against Buffalo, with HC Todd Monken's process appearing to lean toward Watson as the starter; however, Sanders' performance in that game was adequate ('looked okay'), and Watson's poor showing has created uncertainty in the starting QB competition.NegativeBustAug 23, 2026
Once pressured, Sanders didn't know what to do next; threw an interception where he was a step behind backup TE Jermain Terry, who attempted to catch it while turning around before the ball hit off his arm into the defender's hands. The source notes this was against Buffalo's second-string defense and raises concern about how Sanders will perform against a first-string defense, which hasn't been tested yet this preseason.PositiveProjectionAug 23, 2026
Sanders looked great at times when his pocket remained clean, demonstrating solid mechanics and decision-making; on a third-and-15 play, he had 6.2 seconds in a clean pocket, looked at three receivers before finding WR Luke Floriea open for 16 yards and a first down with perfect progressions and throw execution.