Kurt Warner reveals the surprising truth about Shedeur Sanders’ future in Cleveland

In the middle of the frenetic energy of Radio Row at Super Bowl LX, Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner sat down with talkSPORT’s Will Gavin to discuss an array of topics.

The conversation closed with a discussion surrounding Shedeur Sanders, one of the most scrutinized rookies in NFL history.

Against the backdrop of another transitional era for the Cleveland Browns, who recently hired former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their new head coach, Warner provided a Hall of Famer’s perspective on Sanders’ first professional campaign.

While the young quarterback’s journey has been anything but quiet, Warner believes the foundation for a successful career is already being laid.

“I think he’s handled, you know, being Deion’s son and all the stuff that comes with it,” Warner told talkSPORT.

“There’s a lot of blessings that come with it, but there can be some burdens that come with that. And, you know, he’s had to handle and handle a lot of different things that have been thrown his way.”

The “burdens” Warner refers to aren’t just the expectations of a famous name, but the reality of being a fifth-round pick thrust into a starting role for a 5-12 team mid-season.

Despite the turbulence, Warner saw a player who remained unfazed by the spotlight.

“I think he’s done a nice job in both—in both facets,” Warner noted.

“Being able to handle all those things off the field, answer the questions, deal with the scrutiny, the highs and the lows. And also did a nice job on the football field.”

Warner was quick to add that the young signal-caller is still in the developmental phase of his career. He was realistic about the work ahead, describing Sanders as “not a finished product.”

“Got a ways to go and room to grow, but I think he understands that,” Warner explained.

Getty

Getty

“That’s the first half of the battle is to understand, ‘Okay, I’m not where I need to be, I can get better, but I also believe that I belong in this spot.’ And I think he’s got both of those things.”

The most significant endorsement, however, came when the conversation turned to the Browns’ future under Monken.

Having navigated his own legendary path from undrafted to Super Bowl MVP, Warner knows what it looks like to earn a seat at the table.

“I’m excited. I think he’s earned the right to compete for that starting job in Cleveland,” Warner stated firmly.

“I’m hoping Todd Monken and—and that plays out, whether they bring in another guy or not, because you always gotta earn it. But he’s earned that right to compete for it and, um, and I’m excited to see what he can be in the future.”

As Cleveland moves into the 2026 season with Monken at the helm, the quarterback room remains a question mark, but Warner’s comments suggest that Sanders has already cleared the most difficult hurdle for a young pro: proving he belongs in the conversation.

Stay up to date with the latest from the NBA across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.