In a somewhat surprising move, the Cleveland Browns have officially named veteran quarterback Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season. This unexpected decision creates a whole new set of questions surrounding rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. As a fifth-rounder, he’s still doing everything possible to establish himself in the NFL. Sanders has not received a single first team practice snap and as it stands, he’s sitting at QB4 on the depth chart. He’s shown flashes that would bode well for his development heading into next season.
Unlike Sanders, who starred at Jackson State and then Colorado, the NFL has given Williams a slower welcome. He missed the team’s second preseason game due to an oblique injury. Combined with this injury, it’s limited his opportunities to go out and prove his talent. All of that aside, his performances during the preseason have turned eyes, with analysts particularly impressed by his high level of play on the field.
In a recent segment, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith went on to rave about Sanders even more than he did fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. He foreshadowed the promise of Sanders, who makes the jump to the pros as a Flacco understudy.
Though Sanders now finds himself at the bottom of the depth chart behind veteran Joe Flacco, he’s far from abandoned. Despite Sanders’ struggles in Week 1, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski still sounded encouraged about Sanders’ chances to have a bigger practice impact as the season goes on.
“We’ll let it play out as we get closer to the cut down.” – Kevin Stefanski
The Browns are getting prepared for their own preseason finale. While Sanders is getting closer to being 100 percent, so too is Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, and former University of Pittsburgh star, Kenny Pickett. This increase in practice time could provide Sanders with the necessary experience and exposure to help him transition into a more prominent role in the future.
As of the beginning of October, the Browns have in hand two first-round picks for the 2026 draft. Quarterback experts predict this draft to be a far better quarterback class. The Browns would make Sanders’ path to a starting job much more difficult. Or they could choose to tank in order to pursue one of the likely future cornerstones in next year’s draft.
On and off the field, Flacco’s veteran leadership will be key for the Browns. While Sanders’ development is key, it’s important as they try to lay down a solid foundation at the quarterback position. That doesn’t mean he’s in immediate contention to win that starting job, though. His practices and future game appearances will determine the direction they go in long-term.
Currently, Sanders has proven himself while working on his craft and biding his time until his breakout chance comes. His journey from college standout to NFL rookie is just beginning, and he remains hopeful of making a significant impact when given the chance.
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