ESPN analyst Mike Greenberg raised questions Tuesday about the Cleveland Browns’ handling of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, suggesting the team is not positioning the second-year player as its long-term starter.
It was a brutal reality check for the second-year quarterback, who has been attempting to beat out veteran signal caller Deshaun Watson for the Week 1 starting job.
“They’re not developing him like they’re trying to make him the starter, like he’s their guy,” Greenberg said on the network’s “Get Up” program while discussing Sanders’ role in the ongoing quarterback competition.
The comments, shared by ESPN Cleveland, came as the Browns continue evaluating Sanders and veteran Deshaun Watson ahead of the regular season. New head coach Todd Monken has described the battle as open, with the two quarterbacks sharing first-team practice repetitions throughout training camp.
Sanders, selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft at No. 144 overall out of Colorado, entered the league amid high expectations despite his draft slot. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders started seven games as a rookie after earlier spending time lower on the depth chart behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and fellow 2025 draftee Dillon Gabriel.
In those appearances, Sanders completed 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 169 yards and one score while absorbing 23 sacks. His passer rating of 68.1 ranked among the lower marks for qualified quarterbacks that season.
Watson, returning from missing the entire 2025 campaign while recovering from Achilles injuries, started Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards. Sanders entered later and went 6 of 11 for 79 yards with one interception.
Monken announced that Sanders will start Saturday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills and play the first half. Watson is scheduled to handle the third quarter. The coach has emphasized that both players have competed at a high level and that the snaps remain relatively balanced.
“I did feel going into last game that it was relatively close in terms of both having an opportunity at the starting position, so it would be unfair to not go into the next game and give Shedeur that same opportunity,” Monken said after the Bears contest.
Greenberg’s critique centered on the distribution of work, arguing that limited exclusive first-team repetitions leave Sanders looking like a developing player rather than a designated franchise quarterback. The analyst tied the approach in part to perceptions surrounding Sanders’ draft position.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry has stressed that the decision will be performance-based. Watson carries a significant salary-cap charge in the final year of his fully guaranteed contract, while Sanders remains on a modest rookie deal.
Monken has praised Sanders’ growth in areas such as climbing the pocket and progressing through reads. The coach noted improvement in decision-making and ball security even as the competition extends into the preseason.
Sanders has shown flashes of playmaking ability, including mobility that produced scramble yards among the league’s higher totals late in his rookie year. Coaches have also highlighted his work ethic and film study habits during the offseason under the new staff.
The Browns open the regular season Sept. 13 at Jacksonville. Monken has not set a firm timeline for naming a starter, allowing the preseason performances and remaining practices to influence the choice.
Local observers noted that Sanders’ upcoming start against Buffalo, potentially alongside starters depending on Thursday’s joint practice results, offers a clear chance to alter the depth chart.
Greenberg’s remarks prompted discussion among fans and media about whether the Browns view Sanders as a bridge option or a potential long-term solution at the position. The organization has maintained that both quarterbacks remain in contention as evaluations continue.
Watson, a former Pro Bowl selection with the Houston Texans, has started 19 games for Cleveland since arriving in a high-profile trade. His return to health has kept him firmly in the mix despite the crowded room created by the 2025 draft selections.
Sanders, now 24, has emphasized focusing on controllable factors and learning the new offensive system installed by Monken. The competition has drawn national attention given the contrasting profiles of the experienced veteran and the high-profile young passer.
As the Browns prepare for the Bills, the focus remains on which quarterback can best operate the offense under live conditions and demonstrate consistency in pre-snap and post-snap execution.
