Entering the 2025 season, the Cleveland Browns knew they had to do something about their offense, which stood 27th in PFF rankings. However, they mostly only focused on solving the ‘generational’ issue: the quarterback room. One after another, the QBs naturally fell behind an offensive line that could not hold on its own – until Shedeur Sanders made his starting debut in Week 12.

With flashes of explosive plays, composure under pressure, and, most importantly, the end of a 17-game losing streak by a debuting Cleveland QB, it was a breath of fresh air for Berea. After a 3-4 record, though, he finds himself at ground zero against veteran Deshaun Watson. But amid the noise, he has found a voice of the Browns legend Bernie Kosar, who once waded the same murky waters. But is that support going to help Sanders or turn into a checkmate?

“I really enjoyed how Sanders played at the end of last season,” Kosar said. “Us quarterbacks, we get a lot of credit — too much credit when we win and too much blame when we lose.”

“But I really believe we are victims or beneficiaries of the guys around us. We were very void of talent with the Browns on offense last year. So for Shedeur to come in as a rookie with a really limited, talented roster around him offensively, he certainly made plays.”

Owner Jimmy Haslam probably knew that his team wouldn’t survive long behind two rookie quarterbacks again. So while he still drafted another sixth-rounder in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns mainly focused on improving their O-line. But that could spell trouble for Sanders.

Last season, while he ended the season with a better winning record than Dillon Gabriel and Joe Flacco, Sanders’ weaknesses weren’t exactly ignored. He kept the ball in his hands for too long and didn’t make the best decisions. I agree with Kosar. In a team game, no blame can be counted towards the quarterback alone. But this year, Sanders, if he makes a start, wouldn’t be able to sway the narrative.

The Browns quite literally went into an overhaul mode and added to their o-line with their early picks.

They first selected offensive lineman Spencer Fano with the No. 9 overall pick. They plan on using him on the left tackle, but he is versatile enough to start on the inside. Their next first-round pick was KC Concepcion to add depth to the weakening receiving room. He could be the perfect target for Sanders, who likes to make explosive plays, especially under pressure.

They double-downed further by adding Denzel Boston with No. 39, who can use his big body to catch opposite Jerry Jeudy on contested throws.

So, yes, the offensive line made it difficult for the Browns’ QBs, including Sanders, to succeed. But with enough proven weapons, Sanders will need to answer if he truly is the team’s QB1 or just another bust in Cleveland’s cycle.

Overall, too, the Browns were one of the youngest teams in the league, which only added to their overall failure.

Kosar’s reasons make sense

Last season, the Browns made history by becoming the first team since 1970 to have rookies lead the team in passing yards, rushing yards, and receiving yards at the tight end position. In total, 83.7% of the Browns’ offense was tallied by rookies. Sanders might not have been the best among them, but he was the Browns’ best hope during the season.

Veteran wide receiver Jerry Jeudy led the league second in dropped passes last year, with ten. The entire WR room tallied for a league-worst 83.9 receiving yards per game. Tight end Harold Fannin brought some hope to the pass-catching, leading the team in almost all receiving stats. But the offensive line was another nightmare altogether. Sanders could only do so much to protect himself.

Injuries among veterans and backups alike never allowed the O-line to pose as a threat to defenses. The Browns allowed an alarming 51 sacks last year, and Sanders accounted for 23 of them. It would be foolish to think that Shedeur Sanders was the only problem for Cleveland when they were flailing pretty much everywhere.

As a rookie, Sanders made his fair share of errors. He was still a raw talent, and defenses got to him easily. He tended to hold on to the ball a little longer, which also affected his decision-making. But he was also the quarterback who held down the fort for the Browns, starting in all of the games he played since he became QB1.

He threw for 1,400 yards and had an impressive stat line from the Tennessee Titans game last year. Sanders isn’t there yet, but he still can’t be removed from contention just yet. And Kosar agrees!

Bernie Kosar bats for Shedeur Sanders to be QB1

Kosar has made it clear that he is in Sanders’ corner. Given how people seem to have made him their number one target for all of their frustrations around the team, this kind of support is welcome.

“He deserves to be in this mix,” he added. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see Shedeur get this opportunity early if he doesn’t come out as the Game 1 starter.”

With Deshaun Watson attempting a prodigal-son-like comeback this season, Sanders seems to have become an expendable option yet again. The veteran has been healthy, and the team is very optimistic about seeing him play. Watson won’t have the green light to be the starter right away since he was away for so long. But it’s not usual for a younger QB to outshine a veteran. And the Browns would also want to see some returns on the $230 million they spent on him.

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot recently reported that Watson seems to be separating himself as the winner. She noted that during April’s voluntary workouts, Watson took the bulk of the first team reps. He had also noticeably pulled ahead of Sanders with his play. This was also echoed by NFL insider Jason La Canfora, who claims that the Browns’ leadership has “kicked into overdrive” to prepare the fan base for Watson returning as the team’s full-time starter.

Sanders, meanwhile, has also indirectly waded into the ongoing quarterback battle and controversy.

He recently responded on Instagram to a Bleacher Report post, which claimed that he threw shade on his fellow teammates during this competition.

“You’ll be able to see lies clearly,” Sanders wrote. “I only give my perspective publicly to help others that may struggle with things that society thrives off.”

It remains to be seen if Sanders can fulfill the high expectations that Kosar has of him going into this year. But one thing is certain: the Browns’ quarterback drama is only going to get hotter over the upcoming summer months.