STWF Sports | Nov. 26, 2025 – The Shedeur Sanders era has arrived — faster, louder, and far more consequential than anyone in Cleveland anticipated. After entering training camp as the Browns’ fourth-string quarterback, the 23-year-old rookie completed a meteoric climb to the top of the depth chart with Sunday’s 24-10 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders. What began as an emergency start due to Dillon Gabriel’s concussion may now become a long-term audition for the franchise’s future.
And according to a new report, Sanders’ performance down the stretch may determine not only Cleveland’s draft plans — but also the job security of head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry.
A Franchise in Flux
The Browns are staring at another season teetering on disappointment. At 5–6, they remain mathematically alive in the AFC playoff race, but the organization’s trajectory feels uncertain. The Athletic’s Mike Jones summed it up bluntly: “Another season in Cleveland is headed down the tubes… some believe Jimmy Haslam could clean house.”
Haslam has never been shy about making sweeping changes, and the Stefanski–Berry regime—now in its fifth year—has just one playoff win to show since arriving in 2020. A franchise that has cycled through quarterbacks at an alarming rate may soon cycle through leadership as well.
Some league insiders believe Berry could survive into 2026, but Stefanski may not be as fortunate.
And that’s where Sanders enters the story.
Shedeur’s Unexpected Ascension
Sanders’ NFL debut against Baltimore two weeks ago was a reminder of everything rookies aren’t prepared for — live bullets, exotic coverages, and a Ravens defense that feasts on inexperience. The Colorado product completed just four of 16 passes and threw two interceptions in relief of Gabriel.
But Sunday in Las Vegas was closer to the quarterback Cleveland hoped they were drafting. With a full week of first-team reps, Sanders delivered over 200 passing yards, his first NFL touchdown, and several highlight throws on the move. He wasn’t perfect — a misread resulted in a first-half interception — but he was poised, productive, and composed while facing a hostile environment.
Just as important, he won.
He became the first Cleveland rookie quarterback to win his first NFL start since Eric Zeier in 1995 — snapping a 30-year dry spell that resonated strongly with fans and alumni.
Family Front and Center
For the Sanders family, it was more than a win. It was history.
Deion Sanders, who coached Shedeur from high school to Jackson State to Colorado, was in full proud-dad mode in the stands at Allegiant Stadium.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever watched him play without me on the sideline,” Deion said. “It was good and healthy — I was just in straight dad mode.”
He wasn’t alone. Shedeur’s circle included personal QB coach Darrell Colbert Jr., older brother Deion Sanders Jr., and longtime family advisor Constance Schwartz-Morini. His mother, Pilar Sanders, was also in attendance.
“Being able to see my family, that was important,” Shedeur said. “I’m happy they were here to witness it. That’s what life is about — just family.”
Even Prime admitted it felt strange being in the crowd rather than on the headset.
“You don’t want to be his distraction,” Deion said on the Colorado Coaches Show. “But as a dad, you think, ‘He came all the way to see you.’ You just want him to catch a glimpse before he walks out.”
Six Games to Rewrite the Future
The Browns hold two first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Until Sunday, quarterback was widely considered an inevitability. Now? It’s complicated.
If Sanders continues to ascend — and the Browns stabilize — Stefanski and Berry might just save their jobs.
If Cleveland stumbles and quarterback play regresses, a full reset remains possible.
One thing is certain: the final six games of the season now carry weight far beyond Shedeur Sanders’ rookie campaign. They may define the future of an entire franchise.
