Former Browns star doesn't think Shedeur Sanders will stay with the Browns

J arvis Landry believes Shedeur Sanders has the talent to be a starting quarterback in the NFL , but he thinks the Cleveland Browns cannot afford to wait and must continue searching for a long-term solution at the position.

The former Cleveland receiver analyzed the team’s situation during an appearance on ESPN Cleveland . Although he recognized the young quarterback’s development, Landry made it clear that he has doubts about whether Sanders’ future as a starter will be in Cleveland.

“I think Shedeur Sanders can be a starter in the NFL. I would say, I don’t know if it’s going to be in Cleveland. At some point, maybe even after the season, I would say Cleveland definitely needs to go out and get a guy,” Landry said.

During his four seasons with the Browns, Landry was one of the team’s offensive leaders, leading Cleveland in receptions each year and playing a key role in the franchise’s 2020 season that ended its long playoff drought. He also scored a touchdown in the Browns’ postseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers .

Now, Sanders has another opportunity to prove he can be the answer at the position after competing with Deshaun Watson . However, convincing the organization to commit to him beyond this season will require more than a few flashes of potential.

Jarvis Landry highlights Shedeur Sanders’ development

Although he questioned whether Sanders will be the Browns’ future, Landry also acknowledged the progress the quarterback has made since entering the NFL.

“I do think, from what I saw from Shedeur Sanders last year to what I saw from him this year in preseason, it looks like he’s trying to play more on schedule. He’s trying to play more on time and get the ball out quickly,” Landry said.

During his rookie season, Sanders completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight games.

The quarterback showed flashes that created optimism, especially against the Tennessee Titans, when he threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns while also adding a rushing score. That performance led Cleveland to name him the starter for the remainder of the 2025 season.

However, the coaching change altered the situation. Under new head coach Todd Monken, Sanders was unable to win the starting job, as Watson won the competition during the preseason. The coach explained that the decision was based on a complete evaluation of the offseason work and the need to open the season with experience because of a challenging schedule featuring several road games.

For Landry, Sanders’ ability to make quicker decisions will be key if he receives another opportunity. Cleveland needs a more efficient offense and a quarterback capable of keeping the offense on schedule.

Browns stick with Deshaun Watson despite concerns

For now, Sanders remains behind Watson on Cleveland’s quarterback depth chart for Week 2 . Rookie Taylen Green is listed as the third option, while Dillon Gabriel is on injured reserve and will miss the first four weeks.

Watson did little to quiet the concerns surrounding the position. In the 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, he completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Cleveland’s offense failed to respond in the first half, managing just one first down and entering halftime down 24-0 .

Despite the difficult start, Monken confirmed that Watson will remain the starter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . After reviewing the game film, the coach said there were positive elements the offense could build on and noted that the struggles were not solely the quarterback’s responsibility.

Another poor performance could increase the pressure to give Sanders an opportunity, although Cleveland has not established a timeline for a possible change. The next test will come at home on September 27 against the Carolina Panthers.