In conversation with Kay Adams on Up & Adams, Ward said, “That’s not my decision to make. We got guys still on the roster who are going to provide good competition at that position. May the best guy win.” He added that there are “a lot of talented guys in that room who can compete,” and stressed that Sanders isn’t guaranteed the starting job.
Ward also weighed in on Sanders’ practice performance, noting he’s picked the rookie off a few times and praising Sanders’ confidence. “He throws a great ball with great accuracy. He’s going to be a good player in this league,” Ward said, acknowledging the swagger Sanders brings to the competition.
Sanders himself spoke about his mindset, saying he’s shown flashes of dominance and is capable of sustaining it. He stressed the goal of turning those flashes into consistent, high-level play, acknowledging the challenge of doing so over a full season.
Sanders’ rookie year with the Browns included a 3-4 start, when he threw for about 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. While he appears to be the perceived front-runner for the QB1 job, Ward’s stance keeps the competition firmly open heading into the offseason.
Ward, a five-time Pro Bowler and Cleveland native, downplayed trade rumors and focused on the team’s broader goals. He said he’s not worried about speculation and remains committed to playing his best football for the Browns, with playoff and Super Bowl ambitions clearly in sight.
The Browns’ quarterback outlook remains unsettled as the offseason unfolds, with a wide-open competition at the forefront. Cleveland is positioned to weigh internal options alongside potential moves in free agency, the draft, and the trade market to determine its next long-term starter.
