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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is firmly in the mix to start.

The Cleveland Browns sent a clear message to Shedeur Sanders on what they want to see from him in his second season as they sort out their starting quarterback situation.

Sanders is coming off a roller coaster rookie year, which started with a slide to the fifth round of the draft. He ended up starting seven games during his first NFL season, passing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Browns went 3-4 in the games Sanders started and he showed some compelling reasons why he could be a long-term option.

Sanders is in a crowded quarterback room that includes veteran Deshaun Watson, who is returning after missing an entire season following two Achilles surgeries. The Browns also have 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel in the mix and added dynamic dual-threat rookie Taylen Green in the sixth round.

Cleveland has labeled the situation an open competition, but educated observers largely view it as a two-man race between Sanders and Watson. General manager Andrew Berry has made it clear what he’s looking for as Sanders pushes to claim the starting role.

“To take another step and keep growing and learning. He’s had a really nice offseason. He did a really nice job at the voluntary minicamp,” Berry said on ESPN Cleveland on Tuesday. “I think his improvements in decision making and pocket management by the end of the year and certainly what we’ve seen so far during a very short spring, have been positive. I expect him to have more command of the offense and better ball security and situational awareness.”

Browns Had Interest in Ty Simpson

The Browns had another quarterback on their radar during the draft. Ty Simpson, who was often linked to Cleveland in the lead-up to the draft. However, Simpson went No. 13 overall to the Los Angeles Rams.

If Simpson had been on the board when the Browns were on the clock for their second first-round pick — No. 24 overall — the Alabama passer might have been an option, per Berry.

“We didn’t anticipate that Ty would be available to us at 24,” Bery said. “If the board falls a certain way, he comes into consideration.”

It’s hard to argue with how things unfolded for the Browns. They addressed significant needs, including wide receiver and the offensive line. Whoever wins the starting job in Cleveland will have an upgraded supporting cast to work with.

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Prioritizing Football

Sanders has drawn praise for his offseason work. He remained around the Browns’ facility in the offseason, preparing for his second season. For him, it was an easy decision.

“Well, this is the most important thing I have to do in my life. I have a house here. I’m comfortable, and I wanted to take everything to the next level within myself,” Sanders said during minicamp. “I know there’s some things that I wanted to improve, and I took a lot of time to self-reflect and just view a lot of things just from a different perspective, honestly. And I think I covered a lot of ground with that.”

Sanders split first-team reps with Watson during minicamp, keeping him firmly in the mix as the competition takes shape. With the heart of the offseason approaching, the Browns have made it clear they’d prefer to settle on a starter sooner rather than later, giving either Sanders or Watson time to fully prepare for the role.