Shedeur Sanders drops intriguing message: 'When I smile, just know that means something'

On Wednesday, starting quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the NFL's concussion protocol after he reported symptoms coming off the club's 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that dropped the Browns to 5-3. 

Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker in the first quarter and was evaluated on the sideline by an Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant and was cleared to return to the game.

Watson first reported concussion symptoms on Tuesday morning, Nov. 4, 2026, after experiencing a headache on Monday night. He was sacked an eye-opening eight times against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As opportunity knocks, Sanders continues to draw league-wide respect

With Watson now in concussion protocol, Shedeur Sanders is expected to handle an increased share of first-team reps and potentially his first start of 2026 as Cleveland prepares for its Week 9 matchup at the New Orleans Saints. 

The additional work comes as the young quarterback continues to earn praise from coaches around the league, including Saints head coach Kellen Moore.

“Shedeur was a really solid draft prospect a couple years ago," Moore said via New Orleans.football. "We made the decision to go with Tyler, but he had a lot of success at Colorado."

“I think you’re looking at a class that has a number of players who are gonna start in this league for a long time at QB.”

Sanders sees maturity, others see pressure

The former Colorado star believes growth isn't limited to his on-field performance. He's also learning how to navigate the spotlight that follows him well when speaking to the media. 

Defensive issues have plagued New Orleans throughout the season. The Saints rank 28th in total defense, sit 23rd against the pass after allowing 233.3 yards and 11 touchdowns per game through the air, and rank 29th versus the run, giving up 131.9 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.

"When I smile, just know that means something. I'm maturing, you know what I'm saying, I'm maturing," Sanders told ESPN Cleveland. "I could have gave that a decent answer, but now I'm just gonna smile when it's some questions." 

Instead of taking the bait on a potentially loaded question about whether he had studied the Saints' defense, Sanders essentially signaled that he's becoming more selective with what he says publicly. 

Chris Broussard, of "First Things First," however, looked at the situation from the perspective of perception and timing.

“Shedeur Sanders… You have to go out there and play great… You made it look like you think the Saints have an awful defense…." Broussard said. "This could be your last chance to show something." 

Rather than viewing Sanders' behavior as deliberate arrogance, Nick Wright of "First Things First," believes the issue is more nuanced and tied to the unique spotlight that has followed him since childhood. 

"I think one of Shedeur's biggest problems is the fact that he's Deion's [Sanders] son," Wright said.