"Fake news": NFL legend weighs in on Shedeur Sanders potentially losing Browns QB2 role

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 stands on the sideline during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104100 CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 stands on the sideline during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104100 Sep 8, 2026, 4:34 PM CUT The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation has created speculation ahead of their opener against Jacksonville, with rookie Taylen Green emerging as an option. Appearing on Speakeasy , NFL legend LeSean "Shady" McCoy pushed back on the idea that the 23-year-old had overtaken Shedeur Sanders on the depth chart. He dismissed the suggestion that Green would become the No. 2 quarterback behind Deshaun Watson, calling it ' fake news. ' He made clear that he could see Green getting on the field, but believes it would be because Cleveland has packages designed around his skill set rather than because Sanders had been pushed down the depth chart. " Green won't be the number 2 quarterback on the depth chart. Now, if you're saying he's going to go in there and get some plays, oh yeah, for sure," Shady said. Shady explains the Taylen Green role with an Eagles analogy The NFL veteran pointed to his time with the Philadelphia Eagles to explain how Taylen Green could contribute without moving ahead of Shedeur Sanders. He recalled that Michael Vick was behind Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb on Philadelphia's depth chart, yet the Eagles still used Vick because of his athletic ability. He'd enter for packages, including Wildcat concepts, without becoming the No. 2 quarterback. Shady sees the same possibility for Green. As he put it: "I do think the Green kid will come in and do different packages, cuz he can run the ball like a running back." In other words, Green's potential involvement does not necessarily mean Sanders has lost his place as the Browns' QB2.