Full Breakdown
Shedeur Sanders Elevated to Backup Quarterback for Cleveland Browns
10/11/2025, 8:19:11 AM
Transition in the Quarterback Room
The Cleveland Browns have officially named rookie Shedeur Sanders as the backup quarterback behind Dillon Gabriel for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This decision follows the trade of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, which left the Browns with only two active quarterbacks on their roster. Sanders, who was previously the team's emergency third-string quarterback, will now be just one play away from making his NFL debut.
Background on Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout college career at the University of Colorado. During his final season, he completed 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, finishing with the highest career completion percentage in FBS history at 71.8%. Despite his impressive college performance, concerns about his demeanor during the pre-draft process contributed to his drop in the draft.
Official Announcement and Coaching Perspective
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Sanders' promotion during a press conference, stating, “I’m always thinking about our players and what’s best for our players. I want to make sure when it comes to young football players, particularly at the quarterback position, you are intentional about your decision-making.” This decision reflects the Browns' commitment to developing their young quarterbacks, especially after Flacco's inconsistent performance led to his benching in favor of Gabriel.
The Current Quarterback Situation
Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick, will make his second career start against the Steelers, having thrown for two touchdowns in his debut against the Minnesota Vikings. The Browns are currently 1-4 and face a challenging matchup against a Steelers team that has historically dominated rookie quarterbacks. With Sanders now in the backup role, the Browns have opted not to elevate Bailey Zappe from the practice squad, indicating confidence in Sanders' readiness.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding Sanders, some analysts have expressed skepticism about the decision to promote him over Zappe, who has more experience as a starter. ESPN analyst Ryan Clark previously suggested that if Sanders was not named the backup, it would be time for the Browns to consider trading him, as it would indicate a lack of commitment to his development. However, the Browns' choice to elevate Sanders suggests they are focused on long-term growth rather than immediate results.
Sanders' Readiness and Future Prospects
Sanders has expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches.” He has been preparing diligently to support Gabriel and is eager for his opportunity. The Browns are expected to evaluate both Gabriel and Sanders closely this season, especially with two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft that could be used to secure a franchise quarterback if needed.
Conclusion
As the Browns prepare for their Week 6 matchup against the Steelers, the elevation of Shedeur Sanders to backup quarterback marks a significant moment in his young career. With both Sanders and Gabriel at the helm, the Browns are looking to turn around their season and explore their options at the quarterback position moving forward. The performance of these two rookies could have lasting implications for the team's future strategy and roster decisions.
