From one rookie quarterback to another, passer Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans has some kind words for new Cleveland Browns starter Shedeur Sanders.
“I’m excited for him,” Ward said Nov. 19. “To finally get a chance to do what he loves, I know he’s going to be ready for it. Cleveland’s got them a good one. So it’s going to be a good game this week for him. I’m just excited for him.”
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced Sanders will make his first NFL start when Cleveland visits Las Vegas to play the Raiders on Nov. 23. Sanders made his NFL debut in Week 11, coming off the bench after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel entered into the concussion protocol. Sanders went 4-for-16 passing with 47 yards and an interception, and added 16 rushing yards on three carries.
Ward and Sanders spent much of the 2025 NFL Draft process considered the No. 1 and No. 2 quarterback prospects, and were viewed as rivals to be selected first overall. The two trained together early in the pre-draft process but Ward soon pulled away as the favorite and eventual selection by the Titans.
Sanders tumbled into the fifth round where the Browns drafted him No. 144 overall. He entered into a quarterback competition with Gabriel, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett throughout the preseason before injuries and trades thrust Sanders into his biggest role.
The Titans and Browns face off on Dec. 7, meaning Sanders would need to hold onto the role for three games in order to set up a matchup between Ward and Sanders.
Ward, 10 games into his rookie season, has thrown six touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s completed 58.4% of his passes (34th among qualified quarterbacks) with a passer rating of 73.8 (34th among qualified quarterbacks) and 195.4 yards per game (28th among qualified quarterbacks).
The Titans (1-9) host the Seattle Seahawks (7-3) at Nissan Stadium on Nov. 23 (noon CT, FOX).
Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on X @nicksuss. Subscribe to the Talkin’ Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What Cam Ward said about Shedeur Sanders named Browns starting QB
