Cleveland Browns legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas has taken the opportunity to address the growing ‘Shedeur Sanders cult’ following the quarterback’s disappointing performance in the team’s final preseason game. The controversy surrounding Sanders’ performance has sparked a wave of support in the fanbase, but Thomas has urged fans to temper their expectations, citing the need for further development before Sanders can be considered a viable NFL starter. During an appearance on OutKick’s ‘Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,’ Thomas explained that while Sanders possesses impressive talent, including his playmaking ability and accuracy, he still has a long way to go before he can be deemed a ready-made starter in the NFL.
Thomas emphasized that the fifth-round pick’s current struggles are a reflection of the developmental phase he is in rather than any deliberate sabotage by the team. He refuted the conspiracy theories that have emerged in the wake of Sanders’ performance in the preseason game, stating that the NFL and its teams have no incentive to undermine his potential. Instead, Thomas argued that the league benefits from Sanders’ success as it draws more attention and viewership. With the season approaching, Sanders will enter as the team’s third-string quarterback, with Joe Flacco set to start the opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and Dillon Gabriel as his backup. Thomas’ comments highlight the importance of patience in developing young talent and the reality of the NFL Draft process, where teams carefully assess a player’s readiness and long-term potential.