Shedeur Sanders Vows Loyalty to Browns as He Decides His Future — Kevin Stefanski Reacts
CLEVELAND — Shedeur Sanders, one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in the NFL, has made it clear where his heart is: in Cleveland. After weeks of speculation about his future, the Browns rookie signaled that he intends to commit long-term to the franchise that drafted him.
Sanders, who was selected by the Browns with the 144th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, became an immediate fan favorite despite not yet starting a regular-season game. His jersey sales have consistently ranked among the top five in the league, and his presence has given the Cleveland faithful hope for a bright future at quarterback.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Sanders didn’t shy away from the swirling rumors linking him to other potential opportunities. “Cleveland believed in me when it mattered most,” Sanders said. “I’m not thinking about anywhere else. I want to build something special right here. This city deserves a winner, and I want to be the guy to help deliver that.”
The statement comes after controversy earlier this year when Sanders reportedly told the Baltimore Ravens he wasn’t interested in being drafted by them, largely to avoid competing with Lamar Jackson for the starting role. That decision caused mixed reactions around the league, with some former players saying it showed confidence and others calling it risky.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski publicly welcomed Sanders’ comments, saying the organization is “thrilled” to have his commitment. “We knew what kind of competitor Shedeur was when we drafted him,” Stefanski said. “Hearing him talk about loyalty, about wanting to build his future here, just confirms what we saw in him as a leader. He’s exactly the kind of person we want representing this team.”
Sanders is currently sitting third on the Browns depth chart behind Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel, but the team views him as a potential future franchise quarterback. With Deshaun Watson sidelined for the season with an Achilles injury and questions surrounding his future contract, Cleveland could be looking at a major quarterback competition in 2026 — one where Sanders could step forward as the face of the franchise.
Fans on social media celebrated Sanders’ comments, with many saying it’s been years since they’ve heard a young quarterback speak so passionately about staying in Cleveland. “This city has been waiting for someone like Shedeur,” one fan posted. “We finally have a QB who wants to be here and win here.”
NFL analysts believe Sanders’ public commitment could also help stabilize the locker room and buy him patience as he continues to develop. “Rookie quarterbacks don’t usually talk about loyalty like this,” said ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky. “He’s showing maturity beyond his years, which bodes well for his future in the league.”
For Sanders, though, the message is simple: he sees Cleveland as more than just a stop along the way. “I want to grow with this team,” he said. “The fans here are special. I want to give them something to be proud of.”
