Despite being listed as the fourth-string quarterback on the depth chart, Shedeur Sanders seized his moment in the Cleveland Browns’ preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
With Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sidelined by hamstring injuries and veteran Joe Flacco resting, the Browns turned to the fifth-round pick out of Colorado — and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Sanders delivered, completing 14 of 23 passes (60%) for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and adding 19 rushing yards in a 30-10 win.
Throughout camp, Sanders has received few first-team snaps, but he said he used the challenge as fuel.
“I mean God’s patient with us as humans,” Sanders said. “We mess up at times, but I don’t feel like he throws us away as individuals… it’s really just a test, you know, I feel like, from God.”
Sanders expressed gratitude to the Browns for the opportunity to play and inspire others.
Overcoming Draft Slide
Once projected as a top-10 pick, Sanders fell to Cleveland at No. 144 in the 2025 NFL Draft after reports of a rocky pre-draft process. Despite that slide, his arm talent, accuracy, and decision-making were on full display against Carolina.
Stefanski Confirms More Reps Ahead
Although it’s unclear if Sanders will start next Saturday against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Kevin Stefanski praised his poise and playmaking.
“The situations were invaluable for Shedeur,” Stefanski said. “By design, he got a ton of reps in this game, and he’ll get a ton of reps next week.”
Cleveland will practice with Philadelphia leading up to the matchup, giving Sanders another chance to prove himself.
The Dolphins may not be done reshaping their roster, and a new trade prediction has linked them to a potential fix for their most pressing need: the secondary.
“Newsome might not start in Cleveland this year and is heading into the final year of his rookie deal,” O’Malley wrote. “That’s the kind of situation Miami loves to exploit—low-cost, high-upside. They’d get a plug-and-play option for a shaky secondary, and Cleveland gets value now instead of letting him walk next spring.”
Newsome was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and enters 2025 on his fifth-year option, which carries a $13.3 million cap hit, per Spotrac. After making 42 starts in four seasons, he’s coming off an injury-shortened year in which he missed four games and made just three starts.
With Cleveland loaded at cornerback and Newsome not in line for a long-term extension, the timing could be right for a trade. Miami would get a starting-caliber outside corner at a reasonable price, with no major future commitment.
The Dolphins’ secondary has been one of the most criticized position groups this offseason. The decision to trade away Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and tight end Jonnu Smith left Miami with questions at cornerback.
Fitzpatrick, a one-time All-Pro, has struggled in recent seasons. He recorded just one interception over the last two years and allowed a 127.6 passer rating in coverage in 2024, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox.
NFL.com’s Ed Edholm was among those to question the Dolphins’ offseason direction, writing that the club “sent away the Dolphins’ leading pass catcher from 2024 and one of its most talented defenders,” while pointing out the team’s alarming lack of depth.
Trading for Newsome would give general manager Chris Grier a chance to stabilize that unit. Though not on Ramsey’s level, Newsome has proven experience, positional versatility, and a contract that wouldn’t hamper Miami’s flexibility beyond this season.
For a team facing rising pressure, this type of move could carry more than just roster value. It would send a message that Miami isn’t standing still — and still expects to contend in a competitive AFC.
The Cleveland Browns find themselves at a pivotal juncture as they navigate the complexities of their quarterback roster. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to injury, the team has turned its attention to a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies. Among the newcomers are Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, both bringing unique skills and backgrounds to the table. Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky has weighed in on how the Browns should approach this situation, offering insights that could shape the team’s strategy moving forward.
The Browns’ Quarterback Conundrum
Deshaun Watson’s absence due to an Achilles injury has left the Browns in a state of flux. The team now boasts a diverse quarterback lineup, including veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, alongside rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. This crowded room presents both opportunities and challenges as the Browns seek stability at the position. Historically, the franchise has struggled to find a consistent presence under center, with numerous quarterbacks cycling through the role over the years. This ongoing instability underscores the importance of making strategic decisions regarding the current roster.
Shedeur Sanders: The Underdog with a Legacy
Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, entered the NFL with high expectations following a stellar college career at Jackson State and Colorado. Despite projections placing him in the first round, Sanders experienced a surprising slide to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft. This unexpected turn has fueled his determination to prove doubters wrong. Drawing parallels to Tom Brady’s journey, Sanders embraces the underdog role, aiming to make a significant impact in Cleveland. His performance in rookie minicamp has been noteworthy, with reports highlighting his impressive throws and leadership qualities. Sanders’ confidence and work ethic suggest he could be a transformative figure for the Browns.
Dillon Gabriel: The Experienced College Star
Dillon Gabriel brings a wealth of collegiate experience to the Browns, having started 63 games—the most in FBS history for a quarterback. Selected in the third round, Gabriel’s accuracy and decision-making have been praised by analysts, including Dan Orlovsky. However, concerns about his performance under pressure and deep-ball accuracy have been noted. In early training sessions, Gabriel has demonstrated a strong grasp of the playbook and solid mechanics, positioning himself as a viable candidate for the starting role. His maturity and poise could provide the stability the Browns have long sought at the quarterback position.
Dan Orlovsky’s Analysis and Recommendations
Dan Orlovsky advocates for the Browns to consider starting either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel, emphasizing the potential benefits of developing a young quarterback. He suggests that giving one of the rookies the opportunity to lead could inject fresh energy into the team and align with a long-term vision for success. Orlovsky’s analysis highlights the importance of evaluating both players’ performances in training and preseason games, allowing the most promising candidate to emerge naturally. This approach could foster healthy competition and ultimately lead to a more dynamic and resilient offense.
The Case for Letting the Rookies Compete
Let the best man win. That’s the crux of what Dan Orlovsky is really pushing for. The Browns have an opportunity—one that’s rare in today’s NFL landscape: a chance to organically test two young quarterbacks with drastically different playing styles and college trajectories. Letting Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel compete throughout training camp and the preseason could provide invaluable data to determine who’s better equipped to lead the team.
Competition naturally brings out the best in athletes. Shedeur is a playmaker with a legacy behind him and an internal fire to silence critics. Gabriel, on the other hand, is the battle-tested general who’s seen just about everything you can see at the college level. While their styles differ, the end goal remains the same: win football games.
If Cleveland goes the route of a quarterback competition, it gives the coaching staff flexibility. Injuries are always a concern, and having multiple QB-ready options with actual game experience—even if only from the preseason—could be the difference between a playoff run and an early exit. Plus, putting them through the wringer now avoids the issue of being unprepared later if Flacco or Watson go down again.
Why Joe Flacco Might Be the Perfect Bridge
Joe Flacco’s return to Cleveland might feel like déjà vu, but there’s a real reason why it makes sense. Last year, when thrust into action, Flacco performed at a level few expected, earning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award and helping push the Browns to a playoff berth. His poise, arm strength, and ability to run Kevin Stefanski’s system flawlessly made him a fan favorite and locker room leader.
Now back in Cleveland, Flacco’s value could go beyond what he does on the field. He can serve as the perfect bridge quarterback—starting the season while mentoring the rookies. He knows the offense. He’s seen every defensive scheme out there. And perhaps most importantly, he doesn’t have anything to prove. He’s not gunning for a long-term contract. He’s just here to win.
This mentorship role could be a game-changer for Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Being able to watch how a Super Bowl MVP prepares, studies film, and executes a game plan could accelerate their development significantly. It’s a win-win situation: the Browns get competent play while grooming their future signal-caller.
Kenny Pickett: The Forgotten Factor
It’s easy to overlook Kenny Pickett in this equation, but that would be a mistake. A former first-round pick just a few years removed from being the Steelers’ presumed franchise quarterback, Pickett’s fall from grace has been sharp—but not necessarily permanent.
Now with Cleveland, he’s flying under the radar. If used correctly, this could be a blessing in disguise. With significantly less pressure and a chip on his shoulder, Pickett could quietly work his way back into the conversation. He knows the AFC North. He’s familiar with its defenses. And if he can iron out the inconsistencies that plagued him in Pittsburgh, he could suddenly become a dark horse to start.
Orlovsky, while not focusing heavily on Pickett, notes that the Browns should at least keep their minds open about how to use him. If nothing else, having a quarterback with starting experience behind Flacco and ahead of two rookies is smart insurance.
The Development Plan: Building for the Future
Dan Orlovsky emphasized something that resonates deeply in today’s NFL: developing quarterbacks isn’t just about physical reps—it’s about giving them mental reps, too. The Browns should craft a development plan that includes game-day observation, simulated pressure situations in practice, and one-on-one film study with coaching staff and veteran quarterbacks.
For Sanders and Gabriel, development needs to be tailored. Sanders will benefit from pocket presence drills and working through progressions under duress, areas he struggled with against top-tier defenses. Gabriel, meanwhile, should work on improving his deep ball and reacting under pressure.
Investing in these aspects now—even if neither rookie starts in 2025—could set the Browns up beautifully for 2026 and beyond. The goal isn’t just to have a QB for this season. It’s to find the next guy to carry the franchise for a decade. A plan like this is how that starts.
FAQs
1. Will Shedeur Sanders start for the Browns in 2025? It’s unlikely he starts Week 1, but with a strong preseason and injuries or inconsistent play from veterans, there’s a real chance Sanders sees action this year.
2. What are Dillon Gabriel’s chances of becoming QB1? Gabriel’s experience gives him an edge in readiness, but he’ll need to show he can translate his college success to the NFL. He’s definitely in the mix.
3. Why did Shedeur Sanders fall to the fifth round? Analysts cite inconsistent performances against high-level defenses and questions about pocket presence. His slide was one of the draft’s biggest surprises.
4. Is Joe Flacco starting again this year? If Deshaun Watson isn’t ready, Flacco is the most likely candidate to start the season based on last year’s performance and system knowledge.
5. What role will Kenny Pickett play for the Browns? He’s currently QB3 or QB4, but don’t count him out. If injuries strike or rookies underperform, Pickett could be a key contributor.
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