Emmitt Smith Urges Browns to Commit to Shedeur Sanders as Starting QB

A legendary figure in professional football, Emmitt Smith, has voiced strong support for the Cleveland Browns to name Shedeur Sanders their starting quarterback for the 2026 season. In a recent appearance on the podcast "Up & Adams," the Pro Football Hall of Famer expressed his disbelief at Browns head coach Todd Monken’s hesitance to secure the position for Sanders despite the apparent lack of strong competition.

Concerns About Quarterback Competition

Smith questioned the rationale behind the ongoing debate over the starting quarterback, pointing out that the Browns currently lack other viable quarterback options. He stated, “What does Cleveland have? Absolutely nothing. So what’s the debate? Are you going to give it to Dillon [Gabriel] again?” This statement underscores Smith’s belief that Sanders should be the primary choice, given he hasn’t been afforded sufficient playing time to demonstrate his capabilities.

Comparison of Quarterbacks

Highlighting a perceived double standard, Smith noted how other quarterbacks in the league, such as Drake Maye, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence, were handed starting positions after being selected in the first ten picks of the NFL draft. In contrast, Sanders fell to the fifth round, despite achieving notable success at the college level.

Notable Points:

• Emmitt Smith’s Critique:
  • Emphasized no strong alternatives on the Browns roster
  • Suggested that other quarterbacks received more favorable treatment
• Sanders’ Performance:
  • Achieved a 3-4 record as a starter, throwing for 1,400 yards
  • Recorded 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions
  • Completed 56.6% of his passes across seven starts

The Future of Shedeur Sanders

After a rocky start to the season, the Browns transitioned from veteran Joe Flacco, who led the team to a 1-3 record, to rookie Dillon Gabriel, who only managed a 1-5 record over six starts. This rotation led the team back to Sanders, who, although not fully polished, showed promise with limited resources.

Sanders’ Recognition

Despite his modest statistics, Shedeur Sanders recently secured a Pro Bowl replacement spot. His ascent within the team suggests that the Browns may be leaning towards solidifying a future around him, especially if they don’t pursue another quarterback in the offseason.

Conclusion

Amidst the confusion surrounding the Browns’ quarterback strategy, Emmitt Smith’s insights highlight the need for a clear commitment to Shedeur Sanders. With the team lacking a solid backup plan and Sanders already showing potential, the 2026 season may be the turning point for both Sanders and the Browns franchise.

For more information on the Browns’ quarterback situation, you can explore sources like ESPN and NFL.com.