The Cleveland Browns quarterback competition took an unexpected turn this week as rookie Shedeur Sanders prepares to start the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Sanders finds himself thrust into the spotlight due to injuries that have sidelined both Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett.
The situation has created a divide among observers. Some see this as a golden opportunity for Sanders to prove his worth.
Others believe starting him without significant first-team practice reps creates an unfair disadvantage that could hurt his standing in the competition.
Colin Cowherd recently weighed in on the debate, sending a clear message to Sanders.
“Shedeur Sanders has been with the Browns through OTAs, rookie minicamp, and training camp. He knows the playbook, the head coach, the coordinator, and his teammates,” Cowherd said. “And because he only gets one practice with the ones, it’s sabotage. You’ve got to be kidding me. […] The great ones would consider this an amazing opportunity. Wasn’t it Shedeur who called himself ‘Legendary’ in the draft room? Let’s see if he is.”
Shedeur Sanders has a chance to prove just how 'legendary' he is. @colincowherd pic.twitter.com/HB8x5eMH5r
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 6, 2025
Sanders enters Friday night with plenty to prove. His draft room confidence drew attention, but backing up bold statements requires performance when the lights are the brightest.
The Colorado product showed flashes during his breakout senior season, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Cleveland’s quarterback room remains fluid with multiple players dealing with injuries.
Sanders gets his chance by default, but the opportunity is real regardless of how it arrived.
Friday will mark Sanders’ first live action as a professional. Whether he can disrupt the depth chart or validate the skeptics remains to be seen.
The spotlight brings both opportunity and pressure in equal measure.
NEXT: Concerning Issue Resurfaces In Browns' Joint Practice
