If you think the Cleveland Browns are destined for a basement finish in 2026, Colin Cowherd wants a word. The Fox Sports personality is going all-in on second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, predicting a dramatic turnaround for a team that many expect to struggle.
“I think you can win games with Shedeur,” Cowherd said on his show. “I think they’re going to win games this year. Not two or three. Six, seven, or eight. I really believe that.”
That’s a massive leap for a Browns squad that just traded away All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett. But Cowherd sees something special in Sanders, who started seven games as a rookie and completed 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Those numbers don’t scream “franchise savior,” but the buzz around Sanders’ offseason growth is real.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry recently raved about Sanders’ phenomenal development, calling his progress “truly phenomenal” during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan. “We’re all very excited to see Shedeur’s fall camp, preseason, things of that nature when we get into padded situations, live situations, less scripted,” Berry said.
Sanders has also shown maturity by focusing on self-improvement rather than the quarterback battle with Deshaun Watson. That mindset could be key as the Browns navigate a season with lowered expectations.
Las Vegas isn’t buying the hype just yet. BetMGM has set the Browns’ win total at 6.5, and they’re projected to finish last in the AFC North. If Cleveland is going to shock the NFL, offensive coordinator Todd Monken will need turnover-free football from his starting quarterback.
For now, Cowherd’s prediction stands out as one of the boldest of the offseason. Whether Sanders can deliver remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a compelling 2026 campaign. The Browns kick off their season on Sept. 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
