Comparing the rookie seasons between Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders

When the NFL needed a fill-in quarterback for the AFC Pro Bowl Games because New England's Drake Maye is headed to Super Bowl 60, the league landed on Cleveland rookie Shedeur Sanders, not former Miami star Cam Ward. Some fans aren't happy about it, but Ward got banged up late in the year and it's all because of the fan vote anyway.

But, what better time than now to compare their rookie seasons?

Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward

Ward's production and the starts were higher than Sanders, even on a Tennessee team that never found its footing. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft threw for 3,169 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions, starting every game for a Titans team that finished 3-14.

He also gave Tennessee real flashes of potential. Ward passed Marcus Mariota for the Titan's single-season rookie passing yards record, which ended up being a rare bright spot in a tough year. And late in the season, he had a clean, multi-game stretch in the turnover department through the air, including a two-touchdown win over Kansas City.

The Titans' offense was messy, and Ward's biggest rookie issue wasn't interceptions, it was ball security. Ward finished with 11 fumbles and seven lost. His season also ended with a right shoulder injury in the finale.

Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders

Sanders completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His QBR was 18.9. Cleveland went 3-4 in games he started, and he didn't take over the job until late.

But, Sanders did have a game where he flashed a ton of potential, and it just so happened to be against Tennessee. He torched the Titans for 364 passing yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score in a 31-29 loss on Dec. 7.

Overall, both QBs have certainly bought themselves more time as a starter in the NFL.