Pat McAfee is throwing his support behind Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders as the team heads into training camp with an open competition at the position.
The popular sports talk host made clear on his show that he wants to see Sanders seize the starting role and bring some much-needed success to a fan base that has endured years of disappointment. Sanders is locked in a battle with Deshaun Watson for the top job after staying competitive throughout the offseason workouts.
McAfee pushed back against critics who have taken issue with his program’s enthusiasm for the young quarterback.
“So many people are mad at us for being pumped that Shedeur was winning,” McAfee said on July 23. “You see what he did at Colorado? You see what he did at Jackson State? He’s remained the exact same, it feels like. Showed up early. Was in the community. He looks like he’s in great shape, not that he ever didn’t.“
“I hope Shedeur does good and the Browns win. I hope they win. We would like to see the Browns fans and faithful have happiness. We would like to see that. I would like to see that, personally.”
Sanders joined the Browns as a fifth-round draft pick and quickly drew attention as one of the more visible figures on the roster. His first season brought challenges, yet it also showed enough promise for the organization to keep him firmly in the mix as a possible long-term answer under center.
In eight appearances and seven starts last year, Sanders completed 56.6 percent of his throws for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He finished 3-4 as a starter. His strongest outing came against the Tennessee Titans, when he threw for 364 yards and three scores in a narrow 31-29 defeat.
McAfee highlighted Sanders’ college background as further reason for hope. The quarterback went 23-3 as the starter at Jackson State before moving to Colorado. There he threw for 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns across two seasons. He earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2024, and the school later retired his jersey number.
Sanders has been open about the work still ahead of him. Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer noted the clear steps forward the quarterback has taken in the team’s new system.
“His progress has been impressive,” Switzer said. “Just his ability to move through progressions. His feet are getting more urgent, and he’s ready to throw when he needs to more consistently. We can continue to grow there, but his progress has been impressive.”
Watson is back on the field after missing the entire previous season while recovering from a second surgery on his ruptured Achilles. His experience, athleticism and presence at the line of scrimmage give him advantages, though questions about his durability and recent output linger.
Head coach Todd Monken split first-team snaps between Watson and Sanders during minicamp. He believes both have shown enough to keep the competition alive once pads come on and the team moves into controlled scrimmages and preseason games.
“It would feel different if I didn’t feel like their progression hadn’t gotten to this point where I think they both can start and play winning football,” Monken said. “I’m convinced of it. And I’d say it if I didn’t. I mean, I can’t decide now because I think both have earned the opportunity to continue to compete once we put the pads on.”
The roster also includes recent third-round selection Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green. Neither is projected to play a major role in the fight for the starting spot right now.
As training camp opens, the Browns will get a clearer look at how both primary contenders handle the physical demands of full practices. McAfee’s comments underscore the interest surrounding Sanders and the desire among many observers to see the franchise finally deliver consistent winning football for its supporters.
The competition remains unsettled for the moment, with both Sanders and Watson having earned the right to keep battling. Fans will watch closely to see which direction the team chooses once the real evaluations begin in earnest.
