Shedeur Sanders’ job on line as scapegoat named and Browns GM Andrew Berry reveals NFL Draft priority

The Cleveland Browns have placed their faith in general manager Andrew Berry and laid the blame for an awful season at former head coach Kevin Stefanski’s door.

Berry’s job was likely saved by a promising NFL Draft class that added valuable pieces on both sides of the ball.

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The most contentious pick was Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round and the quarterback’s mixed performances mean his starting job is far from secure.

With two first-round picks in 2026, Berry has a lot of capital to work with, but isn’t expected to tap into a lean group of passers.

“They are expected to go heavy on offense,” revealed NFL Network insider Cameron Wolfe.

“I talked to their general manager several times over the offseason and he said, ‘I feel like we’re very close to set on defense but we have needs at wide receiver, offensive line and of course figuring out that quarterback question.’

“Don’t be surprised if they don’t select a quarterback in the first round of this draft.”

Cleveland’s QB room also included third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, who lost the job to Shedeur, and $230 million disaster Deshaun Watson.

“There’s still optimism for Sheder Sanders in Cleveland, especially with Todd Monken now as the head coach,” added Wolfe.

“There’s a little bit more flexibility in his offense and maybe that gives Shedeur a chance to use his playmaking ability more than he was under Kevin Stefanski.

“There’s also Deshaun Watson, who started throwing against with his quarterback coach Quincy Avery this week, they believe he’ll be involved potentially in that competition.

“The Browns could bolster their receiver at wide receiver and O-line and the rest of the spots in 2026 and potentially let these guys compete at the quarterback position.”

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Shedeur’s surname and draft slide ensured he entered the NFL with a target on his back, but he has plenty of friends too.

Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner thinks he showed enough in 2025 to lay the foundation for a successful career.

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

“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.

“I think he’s done a nice job in both — in both facets.

“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.

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

“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.”

Todd Monken leads Browns into new era

Warner believes that former Baltimore Ravens OC Monken is an ideal hire.

“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 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 I’m excited to see what he can be in the future.”

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