Former NFL wide receiver James Jones recently shared his belief that Shedeur Sanders has a strong chance of starting games for the Cleveland Browns this season. Jones, who played eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers and won a Super Bowl alongside Aaron Rodgers in 2011, pointed out the inconsistent play of the quarterbacks ahead of Sanders on the depth chart.
During an appearance on “The Facility” podcast, Jones expressed his confidence in Sanders’ abilities to eventually secure the starting job in Cleveland. He acknowledged that starting in week one might be out of Sanders’ control due to limited opportunities but emphasized that the rookie quarterback would likely see playing time later in the season.
Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft by the Browns. Despite initially being projected as a potential first-round pick, Sanders fell to the fifth round where he now competes with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel and veterans Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Deshaun Watson for the starting quarterback position.
Although Watson is expected to miss a significant portion of the season due to an Achilles tear, the competition for the starting role remains fierce. Jones highlighted Sanders’ impressive performance during the Browns’ rookie minicamp, noting that a strong first impression could go a long way in securing a spot on the roster and eventually earning playing time.
While history shows that late-round quarterbacks face an uphill battle to start as rookies, Jones remains optimistic about Sanders’ chances. He believes that Sanders has the potential to make the Browns’ roster and start games as the season progresses, especially considering the inconsistencies of the quarterbacks currently ahead of him.
As Sanders continues to showcase his skills and compete for the starting job, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring his progress. With the support of Jones and others who believe in his talent, Shedeur Sanders has the opportunity to make a significant impact in his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns.
