Deion Sanders Says Shedeur is 'Going to Be a Problem' After Browns Preseason Opener

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has high expectations for his son, Shedeur, as he prepares to make his NFL preseason debut with the Cleveland Browns.

"He's going to be a problem after tonight, though," Deion told reporters. "I promise you that."

"He's so prepared right now," he added. "A lot of people approaching it like a preseason game, he's approaching it like a game. That's how he's always approached everything, to prepare and approach it like, 'This is it.'"

Shedeur will start for the Browns when they face the Carolina Panthers on Friday night.

The younger Sanders in currently in the midst of a battle for Cleveland's starting quarterback spot with veteran Joe Flacco, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett and 2025 third-round draft choice Dillon Gabriel.

Flacco is reportedly the favorite to earn the Week 1 starter role, but the 40-year-old won't suit up against Carolina. Meanwhile, Gabriel and Pickett aren't expected to play due to hamstring injuries.

Shedeur and recent free-agent addition Tyler Huntley are left to operate under center, and both should receive plenty of playing time.

The Browns selected Shedeur in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft, using the No. 144 overall pick to acquire him.

The 23-year-old completed 74 percent of his throws for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions while playing under Deion with the Buffaloes in 2024.

Shedeur will look to use his extended preseason action to make a strong impression on Cleveland's coaching staff and attempt to make his case for snaps as a rookie. He was only listed as the No. 4 quarterback on the Browns' first unofficial depth chart.

Kickoff between Carolina and Cleveland on Friday is at 7 p.m. ET.