Jake Paul Calls for Shedeur Sanders to Start at Quarterback for Browns

Cleveland native and influencer Jake Paul said he wants Shedeur Sanders to be the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback, arguing the rookie should be given a chance despite Joe Flacco being announced as the starter for the season opener.

In an interview with Fox News Digital late last week, Paul said he remains a diehard Browns fan and urged the team to move beyond pay scale when deciding who starts under center. “I think Shedeur should be quarterback No. 1. Just because someone is getting paid the most doesn’t mean they should be starting,” Paul said. “I think you should give the young kid a shot.”

Paul, who nearly switched his allegiance to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023 after years of Browns frustration, said he has stuck with his hometown team despite its struggles. “I never give up on them, even though they always give up on me,” he told Fox News Digital.

Sanders, who entered the NFL with expectations as a possible first-round pick, slid to the fifth round in the draft. He is currently listed as the team’s third quarterback, behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel and the veteran depth chart. Paul pointed to Sanders’ mobility as a strength that could fit the modern NFL, while acknowledging the rookie has some technique work to do. “I think if Shedeur can learn to step up in the pocket, he should be the starting quarterback. Quarterbacks now gotta be able to run the ball, and he’s capable of that,” Paul said.

The Browns went 3-14 last season after Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles. Watson re-aggravated that injury earlier this year, and his availability for the upcoming season remains uncertain. The team announced that Flacco will be under center when Cleveland opens the season Sunday against the Bengals.

Sanders’ draft slide drew widespread attention around the league. Scouts and analysts who had projected him as a first-round pick cited concerns about decision-making and pocket movement; Browns coaches have emphasized development and competition during the offseason. Sanders appeared in team practices and preseason work, and has been competing for snaps as the Browns finalize their roster and game plan for the opener.

Paul’s public advocacy for Sanders underscores a growing trend of celebrity and social-media figures weighing in on NFL personnel decisions. His comments also reflect a broader fan appetite in Cleveland for tangible signs of change after consecutive losing seasons.

The Browns’ coaching staff has not indicated any imminent change to the planned starting lineup. Decisions on starters and playing time typically follow practices, preseason evaluations and medical updates, particularly in a season affected by the uncertain status of key players.

Cleveland’s opener against Cincinnati will provide the first regular-season indication of how the Browns intend to balance veteran experience and younger options at quarterback. For now, Paul’s call for Sanders to start amplifies a debate within the fan base about development versus immediate results as the Browns attempt to reverse their recent fortunes.