It's not often that the Cleveland Browns hit the news cycle for positive news at the quarterback position. But today is apparently that day. Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been named to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games as an alternate, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported Monday.
After starting the season on the bench, Sanders slowly moved up the depth chart during the regular season. He was elevated into the No. 2 spot following the team's trade of Joe Flacco, and then eventually became its starter after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel sustained a concussion.
Sanders, 23, started seven games with the Browns, completing 56.6% of his passes for seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Browns went 3-4 in his starts. By the more advanced metrics, Sanders rated as one of theworst quarterbacks in the NFL, ranking 42nd out of 43 quarterbacks, per PFF.
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Sanders was not voted into the game initially, but will reportedly make the Pro Bowl as a replacement. NFL players often pull out of the Pro Bowl for various reasons, including injury and prioritizing rest.
In this instance, though, Sanders may be replacing Drake Maye in the AFC. With Maye leading the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl, he will not be eligible to take part in the Pro Bowl. That forced the NFL to look for a replacement.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is expected to start for the AFC in the contest. Los Angeles Chargers starter Justin Herbert is the other quarterback on the AFC roster.
The Pro Bowl has a reputation for … not being the most important or competitive game. Questionable players have been named Pro Bowl replacements in recent years, including Baltimore Ravens backup Tyler Huntley, who made the game in 2022 after throwing two touchdowns against three interceptions in just four starts.
While Sanders' selection to the contest should draw criticism, there is precedent for the NFL making similar decisions in the past.
