The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback battle continues to be one of the most talked-about storylines in the NFL preseason. With rookie Shedeur Sanders entering the fold, fans and analysts are speculating about when he might finally get his chance under center.
A former Super Bowl champion recently weighed in with a bold prediction that has sparked new debate.
Asante Samuel Predicts Shedeur Sanders’ Path to Browns’ QB1
Former NFL star Asante Samuel, speaking on the Say What Needs To Be Said show, acknowledged the immense pressure surrounding Sanders. He was asked by a fan, “What’s the final predictions for Shadeur Sanders? When does he start? How many yards does he throw for? What does the Cleveland Browns’ record end up this season, man?”
Samuel explained, “That’s a lot right there. That’s a lot on that young man’s plate.” The Patriots legend admitted such questions might be unfair for a rookie in Sanders’ situation, but he did not shy away from offering his view. Ultimately, Samuel stated, “I think he can start possibly by the second game.”
This prediction comes at a time when reports suggest Sanders is struggling to climb the Browns’ depth chart. Recent reports indicate that Sanders is currently at the bottom of Cleveland’s quarterback rankings.
NFL Insider Albert Breer reported that the young quarterback will not start the season opener, pointing out that months of evaluation revealed significant gaps in Sanders’ football knowledge and game readiness.
He also added that these concerns were already visible before the draft, with some teams noticing Sanders’ struggles in real-time meetings. An example from his pre-draft session with the New York Giants highlighted his difficulty grasping certain concepts.
When the Browns’ offseason program began, these shortcomings became clearer, with Sanders ultimately sliding to fourth on the depth chart.
In contrast, fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel has impressed coaches with his sharp instincts and football IQ, despite some questions about his physical tools. The readiness gap between Gabriel and Sanders quickly became obvious during evaluations.
Shedeur Sanders’ team reps from Saturday’s training camp practice. What do you notice? pic.twitter.com/EokVL5ahTU
— The Dawgs – A Cleveland Browns Podcast (@thedawgspodcast) July 27, 2025
With most first-team reps in training camp going to the other quarterbacks, Sanders has limited opportunities to prove himself.
Breer concluded that Sanders’ situation is not unprecedented but unusual given the media spotlight. In short, Sanders’ challenge is not just about talent but also timing, preparation, and perception.
While Samuel’s prediction of an early-season start offers hope to fans, Sanders’ path will likely require patience and steady improvement before he can seize a meaningful role.