Browns turn to Sanders as full-time starter, signal future direction

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns turn to Shedeur Sanders as full-time starter, signal future direction

By Olamilekan Ajayi | Last updated Dec 9, 2025 8:19 AM ET

Kevin Stefanski put an end to the week-to-week approach on Monday. The Cleveland Browns' head coach informed reporters that Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback for the rest of the season, putting an end to any questions about whether Dillon Gabriel or Deshaun Watson might get another chance this year.

Sanders just turned in his best performance as a pro on Sunday against Tennessee, throwing for 364 yards, three touchdowns and one interception while adding 29 yards on the ground and another score in a game that ended in a 31-29 loss for the Browns.

The fifth-round pick out of Colorado has now appeared in four games and started in three for Cleveland, going 1-3 but showing some confidence to convince the coaching staff he deserves the full audition.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news from Stefanski's press conference on Monday afternoon.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters that Shedeur Sanders will be Cleveland's starter for the remainder of the season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2025

Sanders has completed 54 of 103 passes for 769 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions across his four games.

Browns need Shedeur Sanders' data before making 2026 draft decision

The Browns entered training camp with four quarterbacks on the roster this season. Joe Flacco, age 40, started early in the season. The Browns traded Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas in August, then shipped Flacco to Cincinnati in early October after starting 1-4.

Gabriel took over as the starter in Week 5 but went only 1-5 in six starts before suffering a concussion against Baltimore in Week 11. Sanders came in during the game and struggled badly, going 4-for-16 with an interception.

The following week, Stefanski gave Sanders his first real start against the Raiders. He went 11 for 20 with 209 yards and one touchdown with one interception in a game that ended as a 24-10 Browns win. That earned him a second start at home against San Francisco, where he completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown in a 26-8 loss.

His third start came Sunday at home against Tennessee, which happened to be the game where it all clicked, and the Browns loved it. Sanders completed 23 of 42 passes and led the Browns to 29 points, which happened to be their second-highest total of the season.

Cleveland currently stands at 3-10 with matchups still to go against Chicago, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. The Browns have already clinched their 23rd losing season since 1999.

They also have a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where several of the top quarterback prospects will likely fall within the top 10.

Olamilekan Ajayi

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