The Browns have prioritized the line, signing and trading for multiple pieces to rebuild the unit. While Malik Willis was linked to Cleveland, the team did not pursue him seriously, and Willis ultimately signed with the Dolphins. Sanders, along with Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel, enters next season with an “open competition” approach, but Sanders’ long-term upside has the organization optimistic.
Sanders’ rookie year offered flashes amid a challenging environment. He started the final seven games after a late-season promotion, throwing for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and was sacked behind one of the league’s weaker lines. His 18.8 QBR stands as the worst single-season mark among Browns quarterbacks with at least six starts, though the results included notable performances, including a standout Week 14 showing.
Momentum for Sanders grew when he delivered elite playmaking potential, with ongoing praise from head coach Todd Monken. Monken highlighted Sanders’ pocket awareness and ability to improvise under pressure, noting the rookie has a strong foundation to build on as the Browns look to strengthen the offense further through the draft and additional line upgrades.
Despite Sanders’ early opportunities, Watson remains in the mix, returning from injury to compete for playing time. Watson, a former Pro Bowler, is in the final year of his contract and provides a veteran contrast to Sanders’ rising ceiling as Cleveland eyes a longer-term solution at quarterback.
In Week 14, Sanders delivered a notable performance, throwing for 364 yards with three touchdowns and a rushing score, an achievement that underscored the rookie’s high-ceiling potential and reinforced Monken’s belief in his development trajectory.
As the Browns prepare for 2026, Sanders is positioned as a potential franchise quarterback, contingent on continued growth and the ongoing improvement of Cleveland’s offensive line. The organization’s quarterback room remains crowded, but the ongoing evaluation and the draft capital held by the team suggest a clear path for Sanders to compete for the top role.
