Shedeur Sanders fires back at reporter over agent question as Browns face QB decision
Deshaun Watson’s concussion status could put Sanders in line for his first start of 2026
Shedeur Sanders pushed back at a reporter who asked why he recently hired an agent, saying, “What’s that have to do with this game?” The exchange came Wednesday, four days before Cleveland’s game against the New Orleans Saints, as the Browns waited to see whether Deshaun Watson could play.
Sanders signed with agent Adie von Gontard, CEO of Young Money APAA Sports, on Oct. 14. He had gone through the 2025 NFL Draft and the early part of his pro career without an agent. His former Colorado teammate Travis Hunter is also represented by von Gontard’s agency. Sanders has not publicly explained why he made the move, and there is no confirmation that it signals a trade.
Sanders could start if Watson cannot play
Earlier in the news conference, Shedeur struck a more appreciative tone, thanking the Browns’ coaching staff, general manager Andrew Berry and the organization for giving him another opportunity.
He said his rookie season showed him what he needed to improve and that he worked on those areas during the offseason and training camp. “Overall, I’m just excited for the opportunity,” Sanders said.
Shedeur Sanders has seen little regular-season action this year. He has appeared in two games, completing all three of his pass attempts for two yards. In Sunday’s 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he played four offensive snaps and went 2-for-2 for two yards.
As a rookie in 2025, he appeared in eight games and started seven, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol after reporting symptoms that began Monday night, two days after a helmet-to-helmet hit against Pittsburgh. He did not practice Wednesday, and Shedeur took the first-team reps.
Monken had not ruled Watson out, however, and said he would “assume” Watson remained the starter if cleared.
The Browns were preparing Sanders in case Watson could not play, making him the likely starter for Sunday, Nov. 8, in New Orleans. If Watson is cleared, he is expected to remain the starter. Cleveland’s next game after the Saints is scheduled for Nov. 15 against the Houston Texans.
