Shedeur Sanders’ real problem lies with the Cleveland Browns: Is he risking a year without playing?

AFC North - English Cleveland Browns - English David Schiavone - SAM English NFL - English Shedeur Sanders - English Sports

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After slipping to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders finally found a home with the Cleveland Browns. While that pick ended a stressful draft weekend, it may only be the beginning of a far more complicated journey.

For a quarterback seeking the right environment to develop, the Browns‘ current state may be more obstacle than opportunity.

Cleveland made waves before the draft by trading out of the No.2 overall slot – forgoing the chance to select elite prospect Travis Hunter – in exchange for a 2026 first-rounder from Jacksonville.

That strategic move seemed to signal the front office’s intent to keep their long-term quarterback ambitions alive. Even after taking Dillon Gabriel from Oregon in the third round, they chose to add Sanders to an already packed quarterback room.

At first glance, pairing Sanders with head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has a reputation for building competent offenses, appears promising. But a closer look reveals that the rest of the picture isn’t nearly as encouraging.

Limited support, loaded depth chart

Sanders enters a room that already includes Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and fellow rookie Gabriel. Flacco, the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year, and Pickett, a former first-rounder, are both vying for playing time.

Meanwhile, the Browns‘ offense remains one of the least productive in the league, finishing 28th last season and doing little this offseason to bolster their weapons.

Cleveland added a running back in the second round and a tight end in the third, but no top-tier receivers or offensive line upgrades – the kind of pieces necessary to ease the transition for a young quarterback. It’s not exactly the ideal landing spot for a developmental rookie.

What makes matters worse for Sanders is that he doesn’t appear to be the franchise’s top priority.

Reports indicate the front office preferred Gabriel in the draft process, and if Cleveland underperforms again in 2025, they’ll be in prime position to select a top quarterback in 2026 – with Arch Manning often linked due to his family’s strong ties with Browns ownership.

That’s a tough spot for any rookie, let alone one who entered the draft with expectations of becoming a starter.

While many quarterbacks struggle early and later flourish – Geno Smith and Sam Darnold come to mind – not all make it through those early career hurdles. And fifth-rounders, historically, get fewer chances.

Sanders’ story isn’t about a lack of talent. He may still become a long-term starter or even a Pro Bowl-caliber player. But for now, he faces a difficult path in Cleveland, where even a decent performance might not be enough to solidify his role beyond 2025.

Unless Sanders outshines expectations in a crowded camp and turbulent team situation, he may end up as yet another talented passer searching for stability in a league that doesn’t always wait.

This news was originally published on this post .

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