Sports

Browns QB Coach Reveals Where Shedeur Sanders Has Improved the Most

With training camp a few weeks away, all eyes are on Shedeur Sanders, who's locked in a battle with Deshaun Watson for the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback job.

Some believe Watson is in the driver's seat. But after what Sanders did when he got his opportunity to start last season - 1,400 yards passing, seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 3-4 record - some Browns fans want to see what the 24-year-old signal-caller can do with a full season.

There's no question this is a crucial offseason for Sanders, but he appears to be putting in the work, according to Browns quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian, who revealed to reporters on Thursday all the areas where the Colorado alum has improved this offseason.

"I'd say over the past 10 or 12 weeks, he's done a great job of defining his footwork, playing with a base, learning the offense, working his butt off to really master his craft - and it's been fun to watch," Bajakian said.

"He's done a really good job. He's [trending upward]. He's getting through progressions, getting through progressions faster, and his feet are matching that mindset."

Should Sanders win the job, he'll have a better supporting cast this year than he did last year.

Cleveland beefed up its offensive line. The team traded for former Houston Texans first-round tackle Tytus Howard, signed former Los Angeles Chargers first-round guard Zion Johnson, ex-Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkins, and former Green Bay Packers center Elgton Jenkins, and drafted first-round tackle Spencer Fano, third-round tackle Austin Barber, and fifth-round center Parker Brailsford in the 2026 draft.

The Browns also added more weapons for Sanders to throw to in first-round wideout KC Concepcion, second-round WR Denzel Boston, fifth-round tight end Joe Ryer, and free-agent receiver Tylan Wallace.

If Sanders has improved as much as Bajakian claims, Cleveland's quarterback competition could come right down to the wire, meaning training camp reps and preseason snaps will be at a premium.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 7:19 PM.

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