The drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders has spilled far beyond the practice field. The former Colorado standout is fighting for the QB1 spot against Deshaun Watson, and analysts hold divided opinions on Sanders’ performance. However, Sanders’ inner circle is also catching fire.

“Things must be going badly for 2 when his friends on payroll are threatening to call the league to get people fired, going to war over practice stats (lol),” Cleveland 92.3 The Fan’s Anthony Lima wrote on X. “… And then they’ll throw the lord in there to throw people off the scent.” 

Earlier this month, Hellion ‘Boog’ Knight,  head of operations for Young Money APAA, the agency tied to Sanders, had some things to say in response to a training camp clip capturing Dillon Gabriel’s performance:

“People vouching for this over what’s been out on display shows you just how wild the world that we live in, is!!! They hate that bad, that they’ll try to convince you that this is better.”

Knight had also called out Cleveland reporter Daryl Ruiter when the latter “warned” Buffalo insider Sal Capaccio about what he wrote for Shedeur Sanders, because the quarterback had a rabid fanbase. Here’s what he had to say:

“Yes! Warn him! I’m glad you get the picture. We not standing down to none of the foolery anymore.”

Sheduer Sanders’ current situation is not ideal. He entered the season as the quarterback who held down the fort for Cleveland last year. And at the same time, Sanders has worked to improve his game, which the Browns staff appreciates. However, it is now presumed that veteran Deshaun Watson will be named the starter, as he has gotten more reps this month. Head coach Todd Monken sparked controversy after telling the press that Sanders was to get first-team reps during one session, but they ended up going to Watson.

In the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, Watson went 11-for-15 for 126 yards. Meanwhile, Sanders landed a 39.6 QB rating after completing only six passes for 79 yards and an interception. We know Sanders will start for the Browns against Buffalo, but whether he will get to follow it up with any opportunities in the regular season is a mystery. Sanders is confident he can be better.

“What did I gain from seven starts? My own point of view,” Sanders said this week. “I don’t think I’m a dumb human being, you know? I think I’m very bright. So it was kind of like figuring the lay of the land, having a better understanding of everything. So, of course, when you first get me out there, you may get me. But when I’m prepared… when I have all these different variables of things that I can control, then I’ll be able to put myself and the team in the best situation.”

Will Todd Monken give him the stage to prove it? We will have to wait and watch.