A Crowded QB Room Leaves Sanders on the Fringe
After being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders entered Cleveland with a mountain to climb. The Cleveland Browns currently have five quarterbacks on the roster, and according to USA Today’s Chris Bumbaca, Sanders’ future with the team might already be in jeopardy.
“By the time training camp arrives in July, Sanders said, he plans on being there,” Bumbaca wrote. “Whether Stefanski and the Browns coaching staff agree or not will determine the direction of Sanders’ rookie season.”
While it would be surprising for Cleveland to cut ties with such a high-upside prospect before camp even starts, the competition in the quarterback room is fierce. With Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson all ahead of him, Sanders is likely fourth on the depth chart at best.
Is His Famous Last Name a Blessing or a Burden?
There’s no denying that Shedeur has talent. But some analysts speculate that his surname may bring unintended scrutiny. As the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur arrives with built-in media attention. Something the Browns might not want during an already competitive offseason.
Still, there’s no indication that Sanders has been a distraction. In fact, he’s embraced his role and expressed a strong willingness to earn his spot the hard way. According to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, Sanders is working primarily with the backups, and reps have been limited.
But that hasn’t shaken his mindset.
“So, there’s no excuses,” Sanders said after Cleveland’s first mandatory minicamp. “Because when you get out there, nobody cares how many reps you got… Everybody cares about production.”
What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders?
The Browns have faced quarterback instability for years, and cutting a player with Shedeur’s skillset would raise eyebrows. But unless Sanders makes a dramatic impression soon, Cleveland may not see enough value in keeping a developmental QB buried on the depth chart.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Michael Davis, the rookie quarterback “landed in a place where he’s no sure thing to even make the roster.” And while Sanders remains confident, time is running out.
As training camp nears, the Browns must decide if Sanders is worth the long-term investment. And if his journey to prove himself will have to continue elsewhere.
Read More: Shedeur Sanders Pulls a Tom Brady Playbook Move After Draft Snub—And It Could Change Everything
