News Summary
Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Shedeur Sanders has become a surprising hit in NFL jersey sales, ranking fifth from March to July. Despite limited gameplay and a rocky preseason, he outperformed notable peers. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, concerns about his readiness as a quarterback and sideline behavior have come to light, prompting discussions on his future role with the Browns.
Cleveland, Ohio – Shedeur Sanders, the third-string quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, has recently gained significant popularity, ranking fifth in NFL jersey sales from March 1 to July 31, 2025. Despite limited playing time in the preseason and being positioned as a backup, Sanders has outperformed notable players in merchandise sales, including Travis Hunter, his former teammate who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars and ranks 11th.
Sanders’ ascent in jersey sales follows his notable visibility during the 2025 NFL Draft, where he experienced an unprecedented fall to the fifth round. The high-level attention culminated in a strong merchandise performance that saw him sitting alongside star players such as Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, who secured the top two spots for jersey sales respectively, followed by Jayden Daniels from the Washington Commanders and MVP Josh Allen.
Despite initial enthusiasm, Sanders’ preseason performance was uneven. Excelling in his first appearance, he struggled notably in his final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, where he completed three of six passes for just 14 yards and faced considerable pressure, resulting in five sacks for a total loss of 41 yards. This raised concerns about his ability to transition into a game-ready quarterback, especially since he has yet to play in a regular-season NFL game after the preseason, serving only as an emergency quarterback in the Browns’ first game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In the aftermath of a disappointing preseason, Sanders’ development has become a topic of concern among analysts and fans alike. The Browns have indicated a commitment to his growth, though they opted to bring in Bailey Zappe as a practice squad quarterback, indicating a possible reassessment of how Sanders is integrated into the team’s plans. Zappe’s signing leaves Sanders, currently absent from the scout team practices, with increased odds of not seeing the field this season unless both the starting quarterback Joe Flacco and backup Dillon Gabriel are unavailable.
In light of criticisms surrounding his sideline conduct, including his fashion choices and behavior during games, observers are curious about the impact this has on his standing within the organization. Discussions surrounding his engagement during practices and games have raised questions about the Browns’ strategy with Sanders, particularly given his impressive merchandise sales juxtaposed with his current playing status.
This season’s bleak outlook doesn’t deter supporters from tracking Sanders’ development closely as the Browns prepare to face off against the Baltimore Ravens in their upcoming divisional game. Given the current roster and performance dynamics, it is clear that while fans are eager to see him in action, Sanders’ playing time remains uncertain, compounded by the Browns’ approach to managing their quarterback lineup for the current season.
As Sanders continues to navigate his career amidst increasing attention from fans and media, the true test will be whether he can translate his popularity into on-field success, or if he will remain sidelined as the Browns’ third-string quarterback throughout the remainder of the season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cleveland Browns Navigate Quarterback Uncertainty
Deshaun Watson Faces Scrutiny Amid Browns’ Struggles
Cleveland Browns Debunk Rumor on Shedeur Sanders’ Earnings
Dillon Gabriel Changes Jersey Number to Honor Legacy
NFL Preseason Week 1: Promising Debuts and Competitive Matchups
Preseason Game Suspended Due to Injury in Detroit Lions
Additional Resources
- Bleacher Report
- Wikipedia: Cleveland Browns
- Sporting News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Heavy.com
- Google Search: Shedeur Sanders
- The Comeback
- Google News: Shedeur Sanders
- Athlon Sports
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
