Shedeur Sanders is still waiting for his chance to become the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. Despite all the buzz surrounding the young quarterback, Browns head coach Todd Monken has stuck with Deshaun Watson, who has helped the Browns get off to a 4-2 start in the 2026 season. Former NFL star Willie McGinest, the situation comes down to one simple question: who gives the team its best chance to win?
McGinest believes that Sanders can still earn his opportunity; however, his name and football background won’t be enough. The former Pro Bowl linebacker has offered a clear message to the Browns QB as speculation about his future continues to grow.
Willie McGinest Explains What Shedeur Sanders Must Do to Earn His Chance
Speaking on the All the Smoke podcast, McGinest explained that Sanders entered the NFL without the immediate pressure that comes with being a top draft pick. The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round, meaning he was not expected to take over the starting job straight away.
“Shedeur didn’t put the pressure on the position by coming into the league. I mean that by saying he wasn’t like a top pick. Mhm. Now, if you’re a No. 1 pick, if you’re a top 10 pick, then you put the pressure on the position right away. We don’t see practice, right? As players, we did. The average fan and other people, they don’t see practice. They don’t see who has command. They don’t see everything that people inside the building see. It always comes down to who gives us the best chance to win. I know there’s a lot of hype, and is the hype behind the name, or the lineage where you come from, or what you’re actually doing on the football field? At some point, if he’s doing what he needs to do on the football field, he’ll get an opportunity….”
Former Pro Bowler Willie McGinest explained that Shedeur Sanders will earn his opportunity through his play on the field, while Cleveland’s 4-2 record supports the team’s decision-making.
"Shedeur didn't put the pressure on the position by coming into the league. I mean that by… pic.twitter.com/JoNihi6jCA
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) October 22, 2026
McGinest also reminded fans that what happens during practice matters just as much as what they see on Sundays. Coaches and teammates have a closer look at a QB’s command of the offense, preparation, and ability to lead the team. Those details can shape decisions that outsiders might not fully understand.
For McGinest, the hype surrounding Sanders must eventually give way to on-field results. The QB’s famous football family has brought plenty of attention; however, the Browns need proof that he can perform at the level required to lead an NFL offense.
That opportunity, though, may not come easily. Watson has helped the Browns reach a 4-2 record, giving the coaching staff little reason to make a change simply to satisfy outside expectations. McGinest acknowledged that Cleveland’s winning record supports the decision to keep Watson in the starting role.
The 24-year-old has also drawn attention after signing with Young Money APAA Sports for representation, prompting speculation about a possible trade. For now, the signal-caller’s clearest path forward is to keep improving and make the most of his opportunities in practice.
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The post ‘He’ll Get an Opportunity’ — Willie McGinest Explains What Shedeur Sanders Must Do to Earn Browns’ QB Job appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.