Shedeur Sanders Reacts to Final Game of Historic Rookie Season with Browns

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders ended his first NFL season with a 20-18 road win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Afterward, Sanders spoke with the media.

Sanders spoke with reporters about the biggest lesson he learned during his rookie season, which saw the ex-Colorado star play seven games and helped lead Cleveland to a 3-4 finish after the team went 2-8 to start the year.

The Browns' resilience and perseverance down the stretch was impressive. They could have folded en route to a miserable year, but Cleveland did offer at least some hope for a brighter future.

Over the Browns' last three games, they nearly picked off reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills before losing close 23-20. Cleveland then upset the nine-win Pittsburgh Steelers, who would have clinched the AFC North with a victory, by a 13-6 score.

And then the season ended with a gritty 20-18 road win that featured defensive end Myles Garrett breaking the all-time single-season sack record. All three phases contributed, and Sanders discussed the team effort and Browns' players belief in each other.

There are significant questions about the team's future at head coach, as Kevin Stefanski is squarely on the hot seat. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported before the game that the Browns are expected to part ways with him.

▶️ Full Browns-Bengals Recap

06:09

After the game, Sanders spoke about how the closing victory meant to Stefanski.

We'll see what the Browns decide soon enough.

As for Sanders, he finishes the year completing 120-of-212 (56.6 percent) for seven touchdowns (10 interceptions). He also added 169 rushing yards and a score on 21 carries.

His best effort occurred on Dec. 7, when he threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing score in a 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

▶️ Full Titans-Browns Recap

05:33

It's unclear what the Browns will do at QB1 in 2026, but Sanders should be in consideration as Cleveland enters the offseason needing to answer numerous questions.