Shedeur Sanders faces his first blitz as the Browns dream of Klubnik

Shedeur Sanders has only just strapped on his helmet, and he’s already competing with more than just quarterbacks in the locker room. Now he’s up against projections. The Cleveland Browns—a team forever chasing redemption in the draft—may be ready to shuffle the deck before Sanders even gets a chance to settle in.

According to a recent ESPN mock draft, the Browns are projected to finish with the worst record in the league—handing them the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. That would put Cade Klubnik in their sights… and Shedeur Sanders closer to the exit door.

Shedeur Sanders and his uncertain trajectory

Shedeur Sanders was taken in the fifth round of the 2025 Draft and currently shares a quarterback room with Dillon Gabriel (third round), Kenny Pickett, and Joe Flacco. It’s not exactly a stable setting—it’s more like a waiting room where everyone’s glancing at the clock. If Klubnik arrives, Sanders risks becoming just a placeholder, not the cornerstone many hoped he’d be.

But if Shedeur Sanders has shown anything—especially as Deion Sanders’ son—it’s resilience. In college, Sanders delivered pinpoint accuracy and led with calm under pressure. His composed style and sharp game management haven’t faded, even if analysts say otherwise.

Klubnik, the threat not yet in the building

Cade Klubnik posted eye-catching numbers at Clemson: over 3,600 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and playoff performances that turned heads. Shedeur Sanders now faces the possibility of being replaced by someone already drawing comparisons to Baker Mayfield. That comp energizes some fans—but also rattles others in Cleveland who remember how that story played out.

Still, all of this is speculation. The only clear thing is that the Browns want to win—whether Shedeur Sanders is part of that picture or not.

With training camp around the corner, Shedeur Sanders has the chance to write his own script. Cleveland isn’t looking for headlines—it’s craving execution. If Sanders shows poise, accuracy, and leadership, the narrative could shift.

April 2026 may be far off. And for Shedeur Sanders, the best way to silence rumors is with yardage and touchdowns.