Shedeur Sanders’ teammates hand him huge boost with Kevin Stefanski set for imminent talks over future

Jan 4, 2026 - 20:00

Shedeur Sanders watched from the sidelines as his teammates stole the spotlight against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18.

The NFL rookie had little work to do in the first half as the Cleveland Browns defense ran riot.

Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on January 04, 2026 — Sanders watched as the Browns defense took control in Week 18

Devin Bush set the tone late in the first quarter, when he intercepted a Joe Burrow pass and returned it for a 97-yard pick six.

Burrow had been looking for Tee Higgins, when the Browns linebacker popped up and took it to the opposite end zone with a little help from Myles Garrett, who was running alongside him.

Things got even better for Cleveland when Bengals tight end Noah Fant fumbled a few minutes later.

Sam Webb scooped up the ball, and took it to the house.

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The Browns were up 14-6 early in the second quarter. With a win, they will fall down the draft order, and potentially boost Sanders‘ chances of remaining the starting QB next season.

Sunday marked the rookie’s seventh NFL start, in what has been somewhat of a roller coaster season.

He began the year buried on the depth chart behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel.

But after the veteran departed for Cincinnati, and his fellow rookie was sidelined by a concussion, Shedeur stepped into the starting role to see out the season.

It was what plenty of fans had been calling for, and while he has shown flashes heading into the Week 18 finale, the immediate future of the franchise is still uncertain.

Sanders could indeed be the face of the Browns moving forward, or they could try their luck in the draft again next year.

Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns takes the field with teammates prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on January 04, 2026 — Sanders has made headlines during his NFL rookie season, but D ruled early in Week 18

There are also questions surrounding head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has already dropped hints about his future.

Browns to meet with Kevin Stefanksi as NFL season concludes

Cleveland, for the second-straight season, will finish rock bottom of the AFC North, regardless of what happens on the final day.

Their 4-12 record heading into Week 18 is one of the worst in the entire NFL, so it comes as no surprise that Stefanski has been on the hotseat in recent months.

As speculation grows over his future, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that the Browns ownership will be meeting with their head coach after the finale to decide the path forward.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns looks on in the fourth quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field on December 21, 2025 — The Browns will meet with Stefanski to decide his future

“With the team at the bottom of the AFC North for a second straight year, that leaves ownership to decide who to go forward with,” Breer’s report, published on January 2, read.

“And the plan is to meet after Sunday’s season finale in Cincinnati to discuss that, with a decision on the future of (general manager Andrew) Berry and Kevin Stefanski coming thereafter.

“Berry, at this point, seems likely to stay. Stefanski’s future is murkier, though the Haslams still like their coach, and how he and Berry work together.”

There is plenty, then, to be decided in Cleveland following a disappointing 2025 season. The futures of Stefanski, and possibly Sanders too, will soon become clear.

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