Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders, Browns Dealt Bad News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 6:14 PM ET

Shedeur Sanders entered his first NFL season with the Cleveland Browns as a backup quarterback, but circumstances quickly pushed him into a larger role. After incumbent starter Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion, Sanders, the Browns’ fifth-round pick, was thrust into action.

Sanders’ debut came against the Baltimore Ravens, where he completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards with one interception and was sacked twice in a loss. Despite the rocky start, Sanders went on to make eight total appearances, including seven starts in 2025.

In his rookie year, he completed 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12).Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

His first career win came in a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, where he threw for 209 yards and a touchdown, becoming the first Browns quarterback since 1999 to win his first career start.

Starting alongside him on the offensive line that day was veteran guard Wyatt Teller, one of the Browns’ most consistent interior blockers. Wyatt also started with Sanders against the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers before suffering a disappointing season-ending setback after he reaggravated a calf injury he had been dealing with.

Unfortunately, Sanders will not have the opportunity to continue building alongside the three-time Pro Bowler. Teller, who becomes a free agent in March, announced he will not return after seven seasons with the organization.

#Browns free agent-to-be Wyatt Teller and his wife Carly just posted a farewell to Cleveland on IG. One of the top guards on the market, Teller is headed elsewhere after seven seasons with the team. pic.twitter.com/YcifwqTSfu
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 18, 2026

The veteran guard started 13 games in 2025 and his absence now forces the Browns to shuffle their interior line and identify a replacement center, as Sanders prepares for his second NFL season.

Teller’s departure is a major blow for Sanders, who was sacked 23 times last season, as his departure could mean lesser pass protection for the young quarterback if he becomes Cleveland’s starter next season. Teller was a key run blocker and arguably the most reliable member of the Browns’ offensive line, one of the team’s weakest units in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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