The team shared the news on social media with the caption, “Perfect timing for Pro Bowl next week! Shedeur is headed to SF!” Sanders responded with gratitude: “Thank you God. I’m beyond excited and extremely grateful for all the love and support from the coaches, players, and fans … still plenty of work to do.”
Sanders’ rookie season included a seven-game stint as Cleveland’s starter, during which he completed 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns, while throwing 10 interceptions and taking 23 sacks. He also became the first Browns rookie quarterback to win his debut start since Eric Zeier in 1995.
His selection as one of three AFC quarterbacks has drawn scrutiny, and it came after replacements were needed due to injuries to Bo Nix, Patrick Mahomes and Daniel Jones. The original group featured Drake Maye, Josh Allen and Justin Herbert, raising questions about the criteria for a Pro Bowl nod when other healthy, high-profile passers were available.
With Sanders on the roster, Cleveland’s 2023 rookie class had notable contributions beyond the quarterback. Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger is a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist, and tight end Harold Fannin posted a breakout season with 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns, while Sanders is the lone first-year Browns player invited to the Pro Bowl.
Looking ahead, Sanders’ long-term role in Cleveland remains a talking point as the Browns pursue a new head coach. Cleveland plans to evaluate its quarterback options this offseason, with Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson under contract, and a coaching staff led by finalists Jim Schwartz, Todd Monken and Nathan Scheelhaase entering the final stages of the search. The next Browns quarterback decision will likely be influenced by their incoming head coach.
