Browns fans have been clamoring for Shedeur Sanders to get a legitimate opportunity to earn the starting QB job. After the first few days of Training Camp, it didn't appear as if it was going to happen. Sanders was already having to field questions about why he wasn't receiving first-team reps, despite his career being in its infancy and him being a fifth-round pick.
On Saturday, however, Sanders saw his most significant reps yet. He made the most of them.
According to statistics posted to X, Sanders completed 8-of-11 pass attempts, throwing for three touchdowns in the process. One of his touchdown passes on Saturday opened some eyes to Sanders' tremendous physical ability, the ability that made many draft experts believe he was worthy of a first-round pick:
This angle of Shedeur Sanders TD Pass in 11v11🥲 #TimeWillTell pic.twitter.com/xJKemGfYOr
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU) July 26, 2025
The Browns, like all other teams in the NFL, have yet to put the pads on. That will happen early next week and will give the best indication yet of which quarterback is in the lead. Most still believe Kenny Pickett will ultimately earn the job, though that's far from a guarantee.
Sanders is still facing an uphill battle, but writing him off in the battle for the starting job may yet be premature.
Shedeur Sanders just has to keep stacking good days
Consistency in performance and improvement every day is what the Browns coaching staff will want to see out of all four guys competing for the starting job. Sanders can't control how many opportunities he gets each day, only what he does when he's given those opportunities.
Things will get real next week. The Browns will be gearing up for their preseason opener on the road against the Carolina Panthers on Friday. That means reps are likely to be more targeted toward the players whom the coaching staff and management believe have the best opportunity to play.
Sanders should see a decent amount of playing time in the preseason opener. Pickett and fellow veteran Joe Flacco will probably see some snaps, but Cleveland is going to want to get real game experience for rookies Dillon Gabriel and Sanders.
If Sanders can continue to perform like he did on Saturday, he should continue to see increased reps. The coaching staff will trust him more and more, and he will force their hands in getting him on the field.
The full highlights from Sanders' performance at practice can be seen below:
Shedeur Sanders Day 4 Highlights!
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU) July 26, 2025
His best day of Training Camp thus far. #TimeWillTell #Call12 pic.twitter.com/r2c21gTcfV