The Browns’ hiring process featured a cognitive test, a personality assessment, and an in-depth questionnaire. One of the six questions specifically asked, “How would you develop Shedeur Sanders?” Sanders was one of three players named in the prompt, and the interviews also involved Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson.
The question wasn’t a mandate that the next Browns coach must start Sanders, but it signaled that being able to get starter-level production from Sanders would be viewed as a plus by candidates.
Sanders started seven games for Cleveland last season, going 3-4 with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His 18.9 QBR ranked among the lower marks for starting quarterbacks, though he showed off-schedule playmaking and potential behind a patchwork offensive line with limited weapons.
Browns GM Andrew Berry said Sanders had shown meaningful progress, noting improvements in mental and physical aspects of the position and crediting the coaching staff for developing his pocket management and situational awareness. He described Sanders as a work in progress, a common arc for rookie quarterbacks.
Sanders added Pro Bowl status as an alternate, replacing New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. He joins Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward as Browns Pro Bowl representatives, and he is the first Browns quarterback to earn the honor since Derek Anderson in 2007. “Thank you God. I’m beyond excited and extremely grateful for all the love and support,” Sanders said.
