It was just four games out of nowhere, but they spoke volumes about where Shedeur Sanders is with the Cleveland Browns midway through the 2026 season. Called on to replace starter Deshaun Watson on the first play of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sanders failed to impress head coach Todd Monke.
In the third inning after the opener, Watson was hit helmet-to-helmet on an incomplete pass, and he had to be evaluated for a concussion. This forced Sanders to act.
His first play was an incomplete pass that resulted in an illegal man downfield penalty. Monken said Monday that Sanders, facing a blitz, should have thrown it instead.
Based on that comment and others, insider Tony Grossi turned heads with an allegation about Sanders saying that he wanted Monke to do something different in every photo he took.
“Coach was very analytical out there and every play he showed he would have preferred to do something else,” Grossi said.
“Every play he’s made, he’d rather be doing something else” – @TonyGrossi on Monke’s comments about Shedeur Sanders. pic.twitter.com/bIc2yelmi4
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) November 3, 2026
On his second drive, Sanders completed a pass to Denzel Boston for no gain, another illegal man penalty was negated. After a 1-yard run by Quinshon Judkins, Sanders completed a 2-yard pass to Harold Fannin Jr. for the touchdown. Watson then returned for the next series and ended the game.
Monken somewhat defended Sanders’ decision to not get many reps in practice as a backup. But the coach also said, “He could have helped us with a check” and “We had a chance on third-and-extra length,” suggesting he’s looking for more from a QB.
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, there’s a chance Monke won’t have to talk about Sanders any more. If they decide to move him, it would give the fifth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft a fresh start.
Additionally, there is a chance Dillon Gabriel will move into the backup role ahead of him. That would almost certainly mark the end of Sanders’ time in Cleveland.
With Watson firmly grasping the starting job as long as he’s healthy, it’s possible Sanders won’t pitch another game this season.
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Former Browns RB lands with Saints