Year two for quarterback Shedeur Sanders means a number change for the budding star. The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback is making the move from No. 12 back to his college number, No. 2.
Sanders is typically the center of conversation, and he is again. As a fifth-round pick in his rookie year, Sanders was given No. 12 and stuck with it for the entirety of his rookie season. Now, heading into year two with a couple of starts under his belt, he is making the switch back to his college number, No. 2.
What can the Browns expect from Sanders in Year 2?
Sanders was up and down last year in his eight appearances. Sanders started seven games while appearing in eight for the Browns, and the results were varied. He showed some promise in wins over Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, and a loss to Tennessee. He also showed that he has a lot to work on and get better at.
His completion percentage hovered around 50 percent, which is unacceptable at the NFL level. He threw seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions, which again, isn’t good enough to get it down. His performance in his rookie year was a far cry from what he was at Colorado.
In his college years, Sanders was a 71 percent completion guy; he hurled 64 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions. He showed playmaking ability, accuracy, and an unwavering confidence.
That version of Sanders was not there for most of his rookie season, and the change in number is his first move to get that version of him back.
Can Shedeur Sanders be the quarterback of the future?
Year two for Sanders is a pivotal year. The 2027 NFL draft is going to be loaded with quarterback talent, and he has to do everything in his power to make sure the Browns are not in a position to draft one of the rising rookies, including Arch Manning.
From the Browns’ perspective, they are in a win-win scenario. If they get the best version of Sanders and the Browns are a winner next year, then they can look to the future with him under center. If things go sideways, then they will be able to end the experiment and move on to one of the rising rookies.
Sanders is trying to tap into the magic he had in college at Colorado. He is starting with the number change back to No. 2, and if he can successfully flip the script, he could be behind center in Cleveland for a very long time.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Makes Big Change Ahead of Year Two
Reporting by Anthony Moeglin, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
