STWF Sports | Cleveland | Dec. 11, 2025 – The Cleveland Browns have their quarterback—officially. After months of climbing the depth chart and proving himself through adversity, Shedeur Sanders has earned the title of QB1, a role head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed will be his for the remainder of the 2025 season. For Sanders, the announcement caps a remarkable rise from fifth-round draft afterthought to the leader of a franchise desperately seeking stability under center.

And for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, it finally means one thing he has rarely enjoyed in his NFL career: consistency.

Sanders’ Breakout Performance Seals the Decision

The news comes on the heels of the most impressive outing of Sanders’ young NFL career. In a narrow 31–29 loss to the Tennessee Titans and fellow rookie quarterback Cam Ward, Sanders threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns, added a rushing score, and showed poise that belied his age. His lone interception did little to overshadow a performance that earned him NFL Rookie of the Week honors.

Yet the Browns found themselves mired in controversy after Stefanski opted to remove Sanders from the field on a critical two-point conversion attempt late in the fourth quarter—a play that failed and drew widespread criticism. Still, the blame did not fall on the rookie quarterback, who had done more than enough to assert himself as the Browns’ best option.

Stefanski wasn’t deterred by the noise.
“He’s committed to getting better every single week,” the coach said. “And that’s what you want.”

Jeudy Finally Gets a Quarterback to Build With

The quarterback carousel that has defined Jerry Jeudy’s NFL career has been dizzying. Since entering the league in 2020, Jeudy has caught passes from 14 different quarterbacks, from Deshaun Watson to Joe Flacco to Bailey Zappe. Seven of those have come since he was traded to Cleveland in 2024.

Even through instability, Jeudy delivered:

• 1,229 receiving yards in 2024 (a career high)

• 90 receptions, a Browns franchise record

But heading into 2025, he needed a steady partner. And now he finally has one.

“It’s good to have just one guy you can build a chemistry with,” Jeudy said Wednesday.
“Shedeur gonna finish out the season… it’s a good time to build and consistently learn and build together.”

That chemistry was on full display last week, when the pair connected for a spectacular 60-yard touchdown, shortly after an emotional sideline exchange drew attention in the loss to San Francisco. Whatever friction existed evaporated in that moment—a sign that Jeudy and Sanders may be forming one of the league’s most intriguing young tandems.

Sanders Staying Grounded Despite New Title

While Sanders has earned the right to command the Browns offense, he isn’t letting the achievement define him—or distract him.

With a brutal matchup against the 9–4 Chicago Bears looming, and sub-zero wind chills expected at Soldier Field, Sanders knows the hard part is just beginning.

“My focus is the team we’re playing… I’m thankful, but I’m not content,” Sanders said.
“This is my life here. I got to focus on being the best player I can for the team.”

His long-term status remains uncertain, but his mindset reflects maturity beyond his years: control what he can, compete without fear, and let the rest sort itself out.

A Rookie Growing in Real Time

The Browns may be just 3–10, but Sanders’ development has become the bright spot of their season. His accuracy, mobility, and leadership in the huddle have convinced Stefanski and the coaching staff that he is worth investing in—worth building around.

And more importantly for the Browns’ offense, Jerry Jeudy now has a quarterback he can trust, one he can finally grow with rather than continually adjusting to.

For the first time in years, Cleveland’s future under center feels steady.
For the first time in years, Jeudy has a partner.
And for the first time in his young NFL journey, Shedeur Sanders is exactly where he always believed he belonged: QB1.