Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders wrapped up his debut NFL season with a victory, but the win over the Cincinnati Bengals was marred by a controversial hit that has now landed under the league's disciplinary microscope. The NFL is reviewing the second-quarter tackle by Bengals defensive end Cedric Johnson to determine if the on-field penalty was sufficient or if a financial punishment is warranted.
The Hit Under Review and Potential Financial Penalty
During the Browns' 20-18 victory against the Bengals in the 2025 season finale, Sanders was on the receiving end of a late hit from Cedric Johnson. The defender made contact with the quarterback's helmet, prompting officials to immediately throw a flag for roughing the passer. The penalty gave Cleveland a crucial 15-yard gain and an automatic first down.
According to reports from Athlon Sports, the league office is now examining the play. The review hinges on Rule 12, Section 12, Article 11 of the NFL rulebook, which penalizes "unwarranted" physical acts against a player in a passing posture. The key question is whether the flag alone serves as enough punishment, or if the NFL will send a stronger message with a fine.
Roughing-the-passer fines are steep. A first offense can cost a player $17,389, while a second violation jumps to $23,186. For Cedric Johnson, now in his second NFL season with no prior fines, a disciplinary action would not only hit his wallet but also officially mark his record with the league—a detail defenders remember as the NFL tracks repeat offenders.
Sanders' Rookie Season and a Coaching Shakeup
Amid the controversy, Shedeur Sanders concluded his first professional campaign. In the finale, he completed 11 of 22 passes for 111 yards and added 26 rushing yards on three carries. His overall rookie season stats finished at 120 completions on 212 attempts (a 56.6% completion rate) for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions.
The hit review isn't the only major development surrounding the young quarterback. The Browns organization parted ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski after a 5-12 season and six years at the helm. Sanders, asked about the firing moments after it became public, offered a measured and professional response.
"We just found out a couple of seconds ago," Sanders said. "I think it’s overall the mentality, like, things are going to happen. It’s how the league is. Moving forward, just focus on what we can improve individually for the next head coach." He added that he and Stefanski had "grown to understand each other" and shared a strong desire to win.
What's Next for Shedeur Sanders?
While the NFL deliberates on the hit and the Browns launch a search for a new coach, Sanders has outlined his immediate offseason plans. He told reporters his first stop is to see his brother, Shilo, for Christmas gifts, followed by family time before returning to work.
However, his position as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season is not guaranteed. The Browns' roster still includes Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel, setting the stage for a competitive quarterback battle during the next training camp. Sanders' performance there will be critical in determining the depth chart.
For now, Shedeur Sanders enters the offseason waiting on three significant outcomes he cannot control: the NFL's decision on the Cedric Johnson hit, the Browns' choice for their next head coach, and how the quarterback competition unfolds. His rookie year, ending with a win and a dose of controversy, has set the stage for a pivotal second act in Cleveland.
