Saints playing with ‘chip on our shoulder’ as Shedeur Sanders gets first 2026 start for Browns

Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the 2026 NFL season for the Cleveland Browns against the New Orleans Saints. Browns head coach Todd Monken named Sanders the starter after Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol following a 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ahead of the matchup, Sanders remarked on the Saints' defense by smiling and stating he is maturing rather than answering directly.

Saints defensive end Carl Granderson responded to Sanders' remarks on Friday, stating that New Orleans will play with a "chip on our shoulder" after hearing the quarterback chirp. Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick, started seven games as a rookie but served as the backup after Watson won the starting quarterback competition before the season.