Have the Browns finally found their answer at QB?

The Cleveland Browns might have finally struck gold at quarterback — and it’s in the form of Shedeur Sanders.

On paper, Cleveland has a logjam under center with six quarterbacks heading into the 2025 NFL preseason. There’s no way they carry all six into Week 1, and trading Dillon Gabriel — the rookie QB they took two rounds before Sanders — might be the smartest move.

Sanders’ draft journey was nothing short of humbling. Projected as high as No. 2 overall to the Browns, No. 3 to the Giants, No. 6 to the Raiders, No. 9 to the Saints or even No. 21 to the Steelers, his stock inexplicably slid four rounds. He finally heard his name called at No. 144 overall — after Cleveland had already selected Gabriel.

If that stung, Sanders never showed it. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, he kept his head high, knowing he’s been made for this moment his whole life. 

“If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture, don’t get me,” he famously said at the NFL Combine.

On Friday night against the Carolina Panthers, he proved exactly what he meant. Playing into the third quarter, Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns while adding 19 rushing yards on four carries. He showed poise, accuracy and the ability to extend plays — all the things Browns fans have been desperate to see for decades.

This isn’t new for Sanders. He’s known for flipping programs — first at Jackson State, then at Colorado. To call him not ready, a bust or just a “daddy’s boy” is to ignore the body of work.

For Cleveland, the question becomes: is Sanders the answer to a 25-year quarterback carousel? Since their 1999 reinstatement, the Browns have seen names like Tim Couch, Spergon “The Surgeon” Wynn, Doug Pederson, Jeff Garcia, Brady Quinn, Colt McCoy, Brandon Weeden, Johnny Manziel, DeShone Kizer, Baker Mayfield, Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston cycle through. Some flashed, most flamed out.

Now, a rookie drafted in the fifth round might finally be the one to break the curse. If Friday night was any indication, Sanders is more than ready to change both the franchise and the culture in Cleveland.