Shedeur Sanders’ brother Shilo takes high road after Browns’ Deshaun Watson decision

The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson their Week 1 starting quarterback, leaving Shedeur Sanders as the team's backup.

While sharing his decision with the browns fans, head coach Todd Monken said the decision followed an evaluation of the quarterbacks' "full body of work." He assessed it throughout the offseason and NFL preseason.

What surprised everyone was that the decision came after Shedeur delivered an efficient showing against Buffalo. Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown, while Watson went 5 of 12 for 36 yards with an interception.

Despite the outcome, Shedeur's brother Shilo Sanders urged people to keep the bigger picture in mind. "It's a long season," Shilo said. "Shedeur eventually is going to get his time to shine, whether it's this year, next year, it don't matter."

Shilo also refused to criticize Watson after the Browns' decision. "We never preying on nobody's downfall, and we wish the best for everybody," he said.

"You're never going to succeed if you have bad intentions in your heart and your mind," Shilo added. "If you wish bad on somebody else, bro, no matter what the situation is, that's not how you succeed."

Shedeur Sanders still has a clear path forward

Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) warms up at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Monken praised Shedeur's response to losing the quarterback competition. "He was awesome," Monken said. "You talk about somebody that really understands the long game."

He then added, saying, "We met this morning for a good long time, and all he had was a smile on his face because he understands."

That mindset matters for Cleveland because the quarterback situation remains far from settled. Watson is returning from a major injury and struggled against Buffalo, while Sanders showed accuracy and command during his preseason opportunity.

From a roster perspective, the Browns have reasons to give Watson the opening assignment. His $230 million fully guaranteed contract carries major financial weight, and Cleveland needs to determine whether he can regain his previous level.

Still, Sanders' development gives the Browns a meaningful alternative if Watson struggles. He enters the season as QB2, but his preseason efficiency and familiarity with the offense could matter later.

At the same time, Sanders' response gives Cleveland another reason to trust his development.