NFL fans believe Shedeur Sanders doesn't deserve the spotlight he's getting
Shedeur Sanders stole social media attention without taking a snap, but Deshaun Watson's breakout performance may have pushed the rookie even closer to the trade block.
S hedeur Sanders did not take a single snap in the Cleveland Browns ’ victory over the Tennessee Titans , but he still became a talking point across the NFL’s social media channels.
The league shared a video of Sanders and Titans quarterback Cam Ward exchanging greetings after Cleveland’s 27-24 victory on Sunday. Some fans criticized the post, questioning why so much attention continues to be given to a backup quarterback who has attempted just one pass this season.
Some fans argued that the NFL is doing everything it can to keep Shedeur Sanders in the spotlight, with several expressing frustration over seeing a player receive so much attention despite not being on the field.
Sanders and Ward have maintained a friendship that dates back to before they entered the NFL. The two trained together ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft , when Ward was selected No. 1 overall by Tennessee and Sanders slipped to the fifth round, where he was drafted by the Browns.
However, while Sanders continues to generate headlines, a legitimate opportunity to see the field is becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Deshaun Watson’s big performance complicates Shedeur Sanders’ outlook
Deshaun Watson delivered the most productive game of his Browns career against Tennessee, completing 25 of 36 passes for 308 yards , throwing one interception, and adding a 9-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. It was his first 300-yard passing game since arriving in Cleveland.
The offensive production extended across the entire unit. Cleveland piled up 491 total yards , including 183 rushing yards . Rookie receiver KC Concepcion caught eight passes for 129 yards , while Quinshon Judkins contributed 96 rushing yards and two touchdowns , his best performance of the season.
After several inconsistent weeks, the Browns finally displayed the potential of a much more balanced offense.
Still, Watson had to come through when it mattered most. After Tennessee tied the game with less than a minute remaining, the veteran connected with Harold Fannin Jr. on a 36-yard gain that set up Andre Szmyt's 32-yard game-winning field goal.
With the victory, Cleveland improved to 5-2 , and all five of its wins have featured a decisive fourth-quarter scoring drive.
The combination of positive results and a more efficient offense leaves very little room for Sanders. Watson has helped Cleveland overcome difficult situations throughout the season, and Sunday's performance only strengthens his grip on the starting job.
Sanders also knows what it's like to produce against Tennessee. Last season, he posted the best statistical performance of his young career against the Titans, throwing for 364 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score in his team's 31-29 loss.
Browns face a quarterback decision
Sanders remains one of the biggest names to watch ahead of the November 10 trade deadlin e. With Watson firmly established as the starter, a trade could make sense if Cleveland receives an attractive offer for its primary backup quarterback.
The more immediate decision, however, involves Dillon Gabriel . His 21-day practice window expires Tuesday, and the Browns must activate him if they want him to return this season. Otherwise, he will remain on injured reserve.
Activating Gabriel would leave Cleveland with four quarterbacks on the active roster : Watson, Sanders, Gabriel , and rookie Taylen Green . Keeping all four would provide valuable depth, but it would also consume a roster spot that could be used to strengthen another position.
If the Browns determine that Gabriel can serve as Watson's primary backup, trading Sanders would not only ease the quarterback logjam but also allow Cleveland to acquire valuable draft capital while giving the young quarterback a genuine opportunity to compete for playing time elsewhere.
