Year in and year out, the same conversation shrouds the Pro-Bowl surrounding its legitimacy as an accolade. Most people already gave up on the mark of a Pro-Bowl berth as a reflection of success after Tyler Huntley made the roster in 2022. That year, in relief of Lamar Jackson, he passed for 658 yards, 2 TDs and 3 INTs. Nevertheless, fans and analysts alike continue to find value in debating whether or not a given selection was deserved.
Following the results of Conference Championship weekend, new spots have opened up. One of those vacancies that arose is at signal-caller. With Drake Maye being the AFC representative in the Super Bowl, someone needed to fill the hole he left. Who is that someone? As it turns out, Shedeur Sanders. There’s a lot of debate surrounding Sanders’ inclusion. Today, we’ll be taking a look at how he made the roster in the first place, and see whether or not his inclusion is deserved.
How did we get here?
Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is attended to by team medical staff following an injury during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The initial QB lineup for the Pro-Bowl was Josh Allen, Justin Herbert and Drake Maye. As mentioned previously, Maye won’t make the Pro-Bowl and instead has his eyes set on the Lombardi trophy. Meanwhile, the other two are banged up, with their status being up in the air. According to Ari Meirov, next in line would be Bo Nix, Patrick Mahomes and Daniel Jones. Unfortunately, all three got hurt, and required treatment that would force them to rehab during the Pro-Bowl. With the litany of injuries plaguing the position, the next man up was Shedeur Sanders.
What do the stats say?
Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) scrambles in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Granted, the Browns are continuously one of the worst situations to be in as a quarterback. However, Sanders did little to help his team out, and the stats following his campaign show this. According to Sumer Sports’ database, among QBs with at least 100 plays, Sanders ranked 43rd in EPA per play, success rate and 45th in completion percentage. The parts of his game that he struggled with in college reared their ugly heads. He struggled with pressure, held onto the ball for too long, and at times was a liability on the field. Make no mistake, there’s room for growth, but at this point Sanders is anything but a below average rookie.
Who is more deserving?
Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
For starters, Trevor Lawrence became the catalyst for a top ten offense, and ended up as an MVP nominee, making him the clearest snub. Next, the fact that Sanders only played in eight games puts other candidates in the running for the spot. Despite their seasons not going as planned, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson were able to be one of the sole reasons their teams had a (albeit small) chance at reaching the postseason. Or perhaps, we can take a look at someone in the division like Aaron Rodgers. Of course, Rodgers had a disappointing season in his own right, but his veteran presence provided stability and his numbers far exceeded those of Sanders. Finally, his draftmate who he was at odds with for being the first overall pick, Cam Ward, debatably outperformed the fifth rounder. In contrast to Sanders, Ward navigated through the worst situation in the league, and constantly made some incredible plays in spite of that.
The sheer number of QBs deserving of a spot before you reach Sanders is aplenty. There’s no doubt that he can improve his craft and eventually become a true franchise guy. Unfortunately, his rookie year was one to forget, and he can hopefully set the bar higher next year.
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