Sanders’ rookie season with the Cleveland Browns was a roller coaster. Drafted at No. 144 after tumbling from a projected first‑round pick, he started seven games and posted a 3–4 record. He threw for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, finishing near the bottom of several major statistics, including a 68.1 passer rating (41st of 42) and an 18.9 adjusted QBR (40th of 41).
Hasselbeck emphasized that Sanders has positives at the position “extremely well,” but he pointed to physical limitations that, in his view, will complicate teams’ plans to build around him. “There isn’t a single team of the 32 that would look at him right now and be like, ‘Yep, I want to build around that guy,’” Hasselbeck said, adding that Sanders could still have a lengthy NFL career in a backup role or as a situational player.
Cleveland has not named a tentative starter for next season. Sanders will compete with Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson, who are under contract, for the Browns’ quarterback job. New head coach Todd Monken did not declare a frontrunner, stating only that he is excited to work with all the quarterbacks in the room.
Sanders remains confident in his abilities. He told Kay Adams on the Up and Adams show that he believes he can “dominate” in the NFL and that his goal is to perform consistently at a high level after showing flashes during his rookie year. He also earned a replacement nod to the Pro Bowl, and he reflected on his first NFL action with an eye toward improving.
Overall, the Browns’ quarterback situation remains unresolved entering the next season, with external critique underscoring the challenge Sanders faces to prove he can be more than a developmental piece. As Monken assesses the room and Sanders continues to grow, the league will be watching how the former fifth‑round pick progresses as Cleveland’s signal‑caller.
