Shadeur Sanders has the same narcissism leadership trait that both benefited and plagued Baker Mayfield's time in Cleveland.

The little I've seen of Shadeur Sanders, both during a 2025 exhibition game when Sanders was not allowed to come back out for an additional series after his wide receiver ended the previous set of downs with a dropped pass on a catchable ball; and in his first game subbing for a concussed Dillon Gabriel when he apparently barely missed a touchdown pass play that would have energized the Browns fan base, Sanders does seem to exhibit an "I am going to prove myself" aura if just given the chance. 

Perhaps Sanders is on a record setting pace to set the NFL on fire because his Dad, may, or may not have medical issues that are not fully understood for the long haul, and son wants to make Dad proud sooner rather than later.

My primary concern about Sanders is he seems to be in a hurry to prove himself. Maybe he is wise for thinking this way since the Browns will probably select a QB in the first round in 2026, potentially relegating Sanders to perennial back up. 

Baker Mayfield's time in Cleveland exposed a super motivated individual who refused to back down during an injury plagued season when the Browns were good enough to win with their veteran back-up player, so Baker could take time off, and heal. Instead, Mayfield seemed to think his mounting injury list was a badge of honor even as Mayfield's final season in Cleveland feature a shockingly bad record against playoff contending teams in which Mayfield went something like 2-8. 

There is something to be said regarding how a new Quarterback takes the reigns of responsibility which influences their immediate and future successes. The Quarterbacks who genuinely have gratitude and humility during their opportunity to Quarterback an NFL team, are the types of football players an entire team will rally around. There is also the type of QB, like Baker Mayfield, that had a spotlight following him around, but, still needed a couple seasons, of seasoning, and maturing, before their career actually takes off.

If Sanders leads the Browns to a couple of 2025 victories, it may negatively alter the Browns 2026 draft position and pre-create the never ending merry go round of Cleveland Quarterback Controveries that has plagued the Browns since the early 90's. If Sanders shows glimpses of a QB who may have a special spark of evading the rush and completing pass plays for gains, but also helps cement the Browns 2025 poor won loss record for the 2026 draft, then the QB controversy for 2026 will also be fueled. Either way, it appears Hurricane Sanders will leave his mark on Cleveland Browns and their fan base regardless how he plays in his first start of the 2025 season against the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Deep down, Browns fans probably really want a sturdy, tall QB like Ben Roethlisberger or Tom Brady who make quick, accurate decisions, and who will be around for a decade or longer, and that does not appear to fit the Sanders profile if Snders establishes himself as a roll out left or right type of QB, which ironically, is how Baker Mayfield earned early career success with the Browns; and yet, Browns Fans want to see Mr. Excitement create memorable Football for Browns fans.

I think Shadeur Sanders will ultimately be a success in the NFL, but it may come after a few years of hardening which is the career path Baker Mayfield traveled.

 

 

Los Angeles Emmy winning Producer Alessandro Machi combines his editing, camera and observational skills to provide unique insights into the World of Sports.