Shedeur Sanders sparks curiosity as Browns gear up for Saints

Andrew Catalon, a veteran NFL broadcaster, put it plainly: there is a curiosity with Shedeur Sanders.

That curiosity is about to get a live audition.

The Cleveland Browns are preparing to start Sanders at quarterback Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Deshaun Watson missed his second consecutive practice Thursday while still in concussion protocol.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday that Sanders is in line to start.

The Browns have not officially ruled Watson out.

But all signs point to Sanders taking the first snap in the Superdome.

This is not the opportunity Sanders probably expected to get this way.

He has attempted just three passes in two appearances this season.

Last year as a rookie, he started seven games, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

This year, he has barely seen the field while Watson held the starting job.

Now Watson is dealing with a concussion.

And Sanders is preparing to start.

The timing has drawn attention beyond just the injury report.

Sanders recently hired an agent, a move that raised questions about his future with the Browns.

When reporters asked him about it Wednesday, he was not interested in explaining.

He wanted to talk about football.

But the timing makes you wonder whether Sanders is beginning to think about his longer-term future.

Hiring an agent does not necessarily mean Sanders wants out of Cleveland.

It may simply mean he is recognizing that professional football is a business and that somebody should be looking after his interests.

Sanders has a career to build.

He cannot spend the early years of his NFL career waiting indefinitely for somebody else to decide when he will get another opportunity.

At the same time, the Browns have every right to make their own decisions about who gives them the best chance to win.

That is where things get interesting.

Cleveland is 5-3 and has reasons to stick with Watson if he is healthy.

But the Browns also need to know what they have in Sanders.

If he plays well Sunday, the coaching staff will have something meaningful to evaluate.

If he struggles, they will have learned something too.

There is also a clock ticking.

The NFL trade deadline is November 10, just two days after the Saints game.

That does not mean Cleveland is preparing to move Sanders.

But it does make the timing of his opportunity interesting.

For Sanders, Sunday could be about much more than filling in for Watson.

It could be a chance to remind Cleveland that he is not simply a backup waiting for his turn.

He is a young quarterback with his own career to manage.

And perhaps that is what this agent decision is really about.

Not necessarily leaving Cleveland, but making sure he has a say in what comes next.

The Browns have been preparing Sanders as if he will start.

Head coach Todd Monken said Wednesday that Sanders would receive the first-team work.

Monken also planned additional walkthroughs and meetings to help prepare him.

Monken had not ruled Watson out, but acknowledged that the situation was more difficult for a quarterback than for another position.

By Thursday, offensive coordinator Travis Switzer had seen an encouraging first practice from Sanders.

Switzer pointed to the quarterback's management of the huddle.

He noted Sanders' decision-making and willingness to use shorter options when appropriate.

Switzer said Sanders showed urgency and ability.

The Browns also have an injury concern involving their leading receiver.