Shedeur Sanders bristles at reporter after being asked about hiring an agent mid-season
Sanders set for first start
Sanders is in line to start Sunday against New Orleans after Watson entered the concussion protocol. Watson was hurt by a helmet-to-helmet hit in the Browns’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend.
That defeat left Cleveland 5-3 and moved the Steelers into first place in the AFC North. Sanders is in his second season with the Browns, who drafted him in the fifth round in 2025.
Agent hire prompts questions
Sanders hired Adie von Gontard, CEO of Young Money APAA Sports, as his agent, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move prompted speculation that Sanders might seek a trade from Cleveland, where Watson’s strong start had established the veteran as the starter.
At Wednesday’s media availability, an NFL reporter asked Sanders about seeking representation during the season. Sanders replied, “What that got to do with this game?” and said he was focused on facing the Saints.
Media relationship remains in focus
The article notes that an agent hire does not directly concern Sunday’s game, but considers it a fair question for a quarterback ahead of a potentially career-altering start. It also says Sanders had reason to keep attention on preparation for New Orleans, while suggesting he could have handled the exchange with more tact.
Sanders had a somewhat contentious relationship with Cleveland media during his rookie season. At training camp this year, he said he did not respect people who had platforms but did not use them for the right reasons, and that he would not give them his time. The young quarterback has taken steps to improve relations with the media this season, though the article says he has sometimes struggled to avoid making matters worse.
Key points
- Shedeur Sanders is set to make his first start of the season against the Saints.
- Deshaun Watson is in the concussion protocol after a helmet-to-helmet hit.
- Sanders hired agent Adie von Gontard, prompting speculation about his future with Cleveland.
- Asked about the hire, Sanders said he was focused on the upcoming game.