Over the last few months, it’s been harder and harder to understand why rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders hasn’t played for the Cleveland Browns. He finally got his chance during his team’s Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but many people still don’t comprehend why they had to wait so long to see him.
Some are even stating that there is a conspiracy behind it all, and that the Browns, and even the league, have set Sanders up to fail. But speaking on his show, Colin Cowherd shot down that idea, saying the opposite is actually true.
“What does Cleveland or the NFL have to benefit by sabotaging Shedeur Sanders?” Cowherd asked.
He said that young fans like Sanders, he brings in good ratings, has charm and charisma, and also has a very famous father. According to him, the NFL wants Sanders to play well.
"Dear Shedeur Truthers – Ask yourself: What does Cleveland or the NFL have to benefit by sabotaging Shedeur Sanders?"@colincowherd throws some cold water on the conspiracy theories around Sanders & the Browns pic.twitter.com/btonOXBdaV
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) November 20, 2025
Sanders’ First Start Comes With Big Expectations
On paper, Sanders looks like a future superstar. He is already creating a ton of buzz online and on TV, and he comes from NFL royalty.
When it comes to his skills, Sanders still has plenty of room to grow. However, he is very young and could soon build stronger talents and show he is worthy of being a starting QB.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has every right to keep Sanders on the bench, even if it infuriates the fans. But he only made matters worse by being so tight-lipped about his plans for the rookie.
That, along with the fact that Sanders fell to the fifth round in the draft, makes it seem like something fishy is going on, but Cowherd doesn’t buy it. He thinks the Browns and the NFL would love to see Sanders thrive because it could work out very well for them.
Regardless of what led to this point, Sanders is about to enjoy his first start for the Browns on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, and it is a game that millions of people will be watching and analyzing.
NEXT: Analyst Names '2 Bad Habits' That Shedeur Sanders Needs To Break
