Browns' Week 17 win could lead to Shedeur Sanders starting in 2026

The Cleveland Browns upset the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17 in a game that looks to have massive ramifications on the 2025 playoff field and for the 2026 NFL Draft.

While the Steelers now pose the risk of losing to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 and missing the playoffs, the Browns' win might have just locked up a starting job for Shedeur Sanders in 2026.

ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi notes how this win could have big ramifications on the offseason plans for the Browns and specifically what it does to their draft pick. That update could lead to Sanders getting the starting job in 2026.

How Browns' Week 17 win might've given Shedeur Sanders 2026 starting QB job

"The Browns' win likely pushed them out of position for a top-two pick in the 2026 draft," Oyefusi writes, "which could presumably have been used on a top quarterback."

Now, with the Browns' pick expected to sit behind the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and potentially other quarterback-needy teams, the Browns' odds of landing a top quarterback dwindle significantly.

Sanders hasn't been the best starter in the NFL this season, but he's shown enough promise that he's worth keeping around as a starter for 2026 if the Browns can't find a certified franchise quarterback.

More: Browns' Shedeur Sanders is under pressure more than any QB since 2009

With the Browns' draft pick looking to be outside of the top two or even top-three picks, their odds of landing a top quarterback are slim.

And with this QB class being a very shallow one, with just Fernando Mendoza expected to declare at the moment, the Browns are much more likely to go elsewhere in the first round.

Sanders might be getting a chance to start for the Browns in 2026, thanks in part to the Browns' Week 17 win over the Steelers. No longer in range to take a QB, the Browns might wait a year and target what's shaping up to be a great 2027 NFL Draft class.

More Browns News:

• Myles Garrett sacks tracker: Updated 2025 total for Browns star amid chase for NFL single-season record
• ‘I’ll be damned': Myles Garrett reacts to the idea of Browns tanking
• Denzel Ward shades Steelers after game-saving coverage
• Myles Garrett slams Steelers offensive gameplan after Browns upset win
• Myles Garrett stats: Browns pass rusher held without a sack in upset over Steelers
• Deion Sanders' reaction to Shedeur's terrible interception tells the whole story