Browns plan for Shedeur Sanders should not surprise but notable

The Cleveland Browns head into Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season with the possibility that QB Shedeur Sanders could change the future of the franchise. Sander’s starting debut was good enough to be named the starter, even if it was just “good enough.”

The Browns starter has an uphill battle given some of his limitations, but Sanders showed enough upside and was at least better than “the other guy.” Sanders’ home debut has everyone excited despite the weather forecast. Cleveland HC Kevin Stefanski named Sanders the starter this week despite QB Dillon Gabriel being cleared from his concussion.

That makes this report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter slightly confusing or “Captain Obvious” levels of reporting:

In the article, Schefter noted:

The Browns were impressed with what they saw in Sanders’ first NFL start last Sunday at Las Vegas — his playmaking skills, his aggressive downfield throws, his ability to buy time and push the ball down the field. Sanders will have to continue to get comfortable playing in structure and on time, but the Browns are encouraged with what they have seen so far.

Despite that, Schefter’s report noted that Sanders’ performance in Week 13 could change Cleveland’s plan, but the fifth-round pick has another chance to prove himself:

This is the opportunity now in front of Sanders. The Browns are open to playing him now, but they also are not rushing to any judgements. For now, they know he’s their quarterback and he has another chance to gain more trust, silence more critics and prove he can be the Browns’ answer at quarterback.

So, Sanders is the starter this week and, according to ESPN, has to chance to hold on to that job for the rest of the season. Makes sense to… everyone.