Is Shedeur Sanders going to be without a team? Why his personality is ruining his Browns career

S hedeur Sanders has another opportunity to change the narrative surrounding his NFL career, but his latest interaction with the media has given his critics fresh ammunition.

The Cleveland Browns quarterback attracted attention after an unusual answer during a press conference ahead of Sunday's meeting with the New Orleans Saints .

Rather than offering a straightforward response about his preparation, Sanders made a cryptic remark that quickly became a talking point among analysts and fans.

His performance in front of the cameras prompted a particularly strong reaction from NFL analyst Jay Skapinac , who suggested that Sanders could find himself without a team if his approach continues to create problems.

The criticism is especially significant because Sanders is currently trying to establish himself in Cleveland after losing the starting quarterback competition to Deshaun Watson before the 2026 season.

The 24-year-old has not had many opportunities to demonstrate his abilities this year. However, Watson's recent concussion has potentially opened the door for Sanders to take over under centre against the Saints.

Asked on ‘Fearless with Jason Whitlock’ whether he had studied New Orleans ' defence, Sanders responded: “Yeah, I seen a lot. When I smile, you know that means – something. I'm maturing, I'm maturing. I could have gave that a decent answer, but now I'm just going to smile whenever it's just like some questions.”

The response was intended to suggest that he knew more about the opposition than he wanted to reveal, but it did not go down particularly well with everyone watching.

Instead of focusing exclusively on his preparation, the conversation shifted towards his attitude and whether he understands the importance of handling the media responsibilities that come with being an NFL quarterback.

Why Sanders' personality is becoming a talking point

Skapinac's criticism reflects a wider debate about whether Sanders' public image could become an obstacle to his professional development.

The quarterback has attracted considerable attention since his college days at Colorado, where he played under his father, Deion Sanders .

His confidence and outspoken personality have helped make him one of the most recognisable young players in American football, but that attention has also brought additional scrutiny.

His fall in the 2025 NFL Draft was an early indication that not every organisation was convinced. Initially considered a potential first-round selection, Sanders eventually went to the Browns with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round.

There were several factors behind that slide, including questions about his on-field development, his handling of the pre-draft process and concerns raised by some evaluators about his personality.

His rookie campaign also gave him plenty to improve. Sanders started seven games in 2025, completing 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also endured significant pressure, being sacked 23 times in eight appearances.

Those numbers have made it difficult for him to establish himself as an obvious long-term starter, particularly with Cleveland bringing in competition at quarterback.

There has nevertheless been support for Sanders . Former NFL analyst Skip Bayless recently argued that the quarterback had been unfairly treated during the draft process and suggested that concerns about his personality had influenced teams' decisions.

Bayless said: "What happened to Shedeur [Sanders] in his draft was the biggest draft injustice I have ever experienced… I thought he should go No. 1 to the Titans instead of Cam Ward," before adding that he "prays" Sanders gets a chance elsewhere to prove he can be an NFL starter.

The immediate challenge is to turn that opportunity into meaningful production. Sanders has appeared in two games during the 2026 regular season, completing all three of his pass attempts for just two yards.

Watson entered concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following the Browns ' defeat to Pittsburgh , leaving his availability for the Saints game uncertain. Cleveland head coach Todd Monken has therefore been preparing Sanders to step in if required.

That makes Sunday's game potentially important for the young quarterback. A convincing performance could strengthen his case for a more regular role, while another disappointing display would give the coaching staff further reason to look elsewhere.

However, the idea that Sanders is about to become completely without a team remains speculation. He is still under contract with Cleveland, and the organisation has not announced any decision to release or trade him.

Ultimately, his future will depend far more on what he produces on the field than on one awkward press conference. But with his career at an important stage, Sanders will need to show that he can handle both the football and the responsibilities that come with being an NFL quarterback.