Deion says Shedeur Sanders endured harsh predraft scrutiny, rocky Browns rookie year

Colorado coach Deion Sanders said his son, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, endured a turbulent predraft process and a challenging rookie NFL season in 2025. He pushed back on reports that the quarterback interviewed poorly at the scouting combine, calling those claims untrue. Cleveland selected Shedeur on Day 3 with the 144th overall pick, and his role evolved significantly as the season progressed. The Browns finished 5-12 and made a coaching change after the season.

Deion Sanders said the pre-draft narrative around his son did not match the quarterback’s preparation or professionalism. He argued that suggestions Shedeur was ill-prepared or dismissive in interviews were inaccurate and did not reflect how he worked through college and into the league. The discussion around his slide to Day 3 intensified the spotlight, but the quarterback ultimately landed in Cleveland after the team traded up to select him with pick No. 144.

Shedeur opened training camp as the Browns’ fourth quarterback and, according to team handling at the time, did not take first-team snaps during the position competition. He moved up the depth chart to become the primary backup before Week 6 and made his NFL debut in Week 11 when the starter exited with a concussion. Thrust into the lineup down the stretch, he started the final seven games and Cleveland went 3-4 in those contests as he gained experience.

The team’s overall record was 5-12, which prompted Cleveland to dismiss head coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons in charge. The franchise then hired Todd Monken, who previously coordinated the Baltimore Ravens’ offense, as the Browns’ new head coach.

Coaching change resets development plan

Deion Sanders said he intends to visit Cleveland to speak with Monken about how best to support Shedeur’s growth, clarifying that he would do so in a coach-to-coach capacity given his long-term role in the quarterback’s development. He contrasted that with last season, when he said such input was not sought. Deion characterized Monken as direct and transparent and welcomed a fresh start for his son under the new staff.

For his part, Shedeur has described a “new vibe” around the facility and said he felt embraced by the staff early in the offseason program. He framed the adversity of the past year as formative and said the experience left him feeling “bulletproof” entering his second NFL season.

Outlook for 2026 in Cleveland

With a full offseason to work under Monken, Shedeur is competing with Deshaun Watson for the starting job in 2026. The Browns’ approach suggests they plan to let the on-field work define the depth chart, while aiming to accelerate Shedeur’s development with consistent reps and clearer structure. How quickly he processes the new system and protects the ball will be central to his chances of overtaking an established veteran.

The next checkpoints are voluntary workouts and training camp, where staff decisions on reps will signal the team’s confidence in the young quarterback. Cleveland’s quarterback call closer to Week 1 will determine whether Shedeur’s late-season audition becomes a permanent promotion.