Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders experienced moments of success during his rookie season in 2025. However, critics remain unimpressed according to The Athletic’s 2026 NFL quarterback tiers list, where Sanders was ranked last among the 35 evaluated quarterbacks.
An anonymous defensive coordinator remarked, “I’d sleep like a baby if I got to play him every week.” An executive echoed this sentiment: “He’s inaccurate at all three levels. I can’t tell if he is going to get better, but there’s a huge gap between him and competent QB play.”
The tiers list categorized quarterbacks from best (Tier 1) to worst (Tier 5). Among the 50 executives and coaches surveyed, Sanders received just one Tier 3 vote, while 37 placed him in Tier 4, and 12 in Tier 5. A coordinator added, “He’s not an on-time player, can’t read through the coverages, is a little heavy-footed. He is thicker and harder to tackle than expected, but you shouldn’t lose to him.”
Could Monken’s Coaching Unlock Sanders’ Potential?
Now Sanders faces another quarterback competition in Browns training camp. With Deshaun Watson healthy and competing for the starter position, new head coach Todd Monken oversees the battle.
Sanders was appointed as the starter for the Browns’ final six games in 2025, throwing for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Despite winning his debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sanders’ completion rate was only 56.6%.
There’s hope that Monken’s offensive-minded approach could aid Sanders’ growth. A voter expressed optimism: “Todd Monken is a great reset. If Shedeur has invested in himself to be a professional quarterback, studying the playbook and knowing his assignments, there might be some upside.”
Monken remains firm that there will be genuine competition for QB1 in his first Browns camp. Sanders competes against Watson and Dillon Gabriel for the role.
Watson also placed on the tiers list, ranking 31st among the 35 quarterbacks after missing the previous season due to an Achilles injury.
The Browns’ first preseason game is on Aug. 15 against the Bears.
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