Cam Newton believes Shedeur Sanders deserves a fair evaluation period, just like Dillon Gabriel got earlier this season. The Browns quarterback is the son of Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders and was drafted in the fifth round in April.

Cleveland lost 26-8 to the 49ers at home on Sunday. It was Sanders’ second career start.

“I believe in equal opportunity. I believe that whatever you’ve given one, you should give the other,” Newton said on Monday, via ESPN’s “First Take.”

“I believe that we have to develop our players in the best way we know how. And if you’ve given Dillon Gabriel, if you’ve given Joe Flacco an opportunity to properly evaluate them, you need to do the same thing for Shedeur Sanders. Is it a week-to-week basis? As a whole year basis? that that’s between Kevin Stefanski and his coaching staff.”

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Gabriel started six games and posted a 1-5 record before the Browns switched to Sanders. The former Colorado Buffaloes led Cleveland to a 24-10 win over the Raiders in Week 12 before dropping his home debut to San Francisco.

Cam Newton says Browns lack talent to support Shedeur Sanders

Cam Newton defended Shedeur Sanders’ performance on Sunday while criticizing Cleveland’s roster construction.

The rookie quarterback completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers. He threw zero interceptions but was sacked three times for 34 yards in the loss.

“But the truth is, I was pleased with what Shedeur Sanders did do,” Newton said. “Do I believe that the Cleveland Browns are a good team? Hell no. They don’t have the proper talent. They don’t have a specific or a dynamic number one option, whether at the tight end position or a receiver position.

“And you’re asking a rookie running back to carry your team or now a rookie quarterback to carry your team. And that’s not. It’s not a recipe for success in the National Football League.”

Newton compared the situation to Dak Prescott’s rookie year with Dallas. He had Ezekiel Elliott, quality receivers and an elite offensive line supporting him.

Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Sanders will start in Week 14 against Tennessee.