Following a change in management early in the following season, Sadler found himself playing more often in a central defensive role under Paul Hurst. He was named team-captain for the first time, in the absence of Abu Ogogo and Adam El-Abd, in February 2017, and went on to win the "Player of the year", "Players' player of the year" and "Player in the community" awards at the conclusion of the season, after helping Shrewsbury avoid relegation to League Two. Sadler subsequently signed a two-year contract extension, committing him to the club until summer 2019.