Shedeur Sanders Impresses Early but Faces Long Odds for Starting Role
Shedeur Sanders is doing everything he can to climb the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback depth chart, but early signs suggest the road won’t be easy.
Despite posting an eye-popping 77.3% completion rate through OTAs and minicamp — better than veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, and rookie Dillon Gabriel. Sanders has yet to earn any first-team reps. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Browns kept Sanders’ playbook lighter than that of his counterparts, making his numbers harder to gauge.
Read More: ‘I’m Not Here to Hold Your Hand’ Joe Flacco Snaps at Shedeur Sanders & Dillon Gabriel
Rookie Gabriel Turning Heads Early
Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel has drawn rave reviews from Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, who values fast processing and quick decision-making. Two areas where Gabriel reportedly shines. With six years of college experience under his belt, Gabriel is handling more of the offensive load than Sanders, who fell to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft after once being considered a Day 1 prospect.
NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports that Cleveland likely won’t keep four quarterbacks. Which means Sanders or Gabriel could be cut or assigned to the practice squad. If Sanders lands on the latter, it could be “a second draft” scenario, allowing other NFL teams a shot at scooping him up.
With preseason games approaching, this will be a critical stretch for Sanders to prove he belongs. If he can replicate his camp success against opposing defenses. The Browns may be forced to rethink the depth chart, or risk losing him to another team.
Read More: Browns’ Rookie QBs Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel Face Uncertain Future Amid 2026 Draft Buzz
