Following Shedeur Sanders’ entry into the NFL, expectations for his ‘year two’ focus on transition to being the full-time leader of the Cleveland Browns offense after a promising but bumpy rookie campaign.
So what should everyone see as he prepares for 2026?
Practices for Shedeur Sanders for 2026 NFL Season
Full-Time Starter Leap
After spending the first half of his rookie year behind veteran Joe Flacco, Shedeur took over the starting role in Week 12. In year two, he is expected to compete with Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson for the starting job.
In eight games as a rookie, Shedeur threw for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns with the Browns. The primary goal in his second season will be cutting down on the ten interceptions he threw in that stretch.
With a full NFL offseason with the Browns’ playbook, the expectation is for his completion percentage (68.1%) to climb closer to the elite 74% mark he cut during his final year at Colorado.
Return to No. 2
One of the biggest storylines heading into this season was a change in identity. Sanders is officially switching from No. 12 to No. 2 after wide receiver DeAndre Carter left in free agency. This move aligns him with the ‘legendary’ branding he used at Jackson State and Colorado. This move by his father, Deion Sanders, has already publicly celebrated as a return to form.
A lingering issue from his college days that followed him to Cleveland was holding the football too long. Year two will be a test of his internal clock against NFL pass rushers.
Unfortunately, the Browns offense is in a bit of a transition period. Sanders will have to establish chemistry with a receiving core that has seen some veteran departures.
Business in Cleveland
Sanders signed a historic rookie deal that included a “Prime Equity” clause. This is a game-changer for NFL contracts. He is repeatedly the first player to negotiate a direct share of team revenue. This is specifically linked to his name, image, and likeness (NIL) and merchandise sales.
Surprisingly despite being a fifth round pick, his jersey sales (both No. 12 and No. 2) have outpaced many first rounders. In his second year, expect him to lean into “S2” branded apparel, effectively turning his locker room presence into a retail operation.
Unlike traditional quarterbacks, who often go into the darkness during the season, Sanders will be expected to continue his heavy digital presence. If done the wrong way, business will be over football. But if done correctly and used efficiently, the NFL could use him as the next big thing.
Main Image: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
