Shedeur Sanders fighting a losing battle for Browns quarterback role

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Shedeur Sanders, drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, entered the 2025 offseason with high expectations after a decorated college career at Jackson State and Colorado.

But as training camp unfolds, he finds himself buried on the depth chart behind veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel – casting serious doubt on his chances of making a meaningful impact this season.

Sanders is currently listed as the fourth-string quarterback, behind Flacco, Pickett and Gabriel. Flacco is entrenched as the starter, Pickett remains the backup despite returning from a hamstring injury, and Gabriel – taken in the third round-has outpaced Sanders in both reps and visibility.

That doesn’t leave Sanders with very many options: stay, seek a trade or develop himself on the sidelines.

Rookie chart shows Sanders at fourth

From the start of camp, Sanders has been kept out of first-team drills due to arm soreness. Although he has since returned, his absence from key practice reps amplified the perception that the Browns view him as a developmental option rather than a viable backup.

With the team limited to likely three quarterbacks on the final roster, Sanders finds himself in a precarious position. Team insiders expect one signal-caller to be released or traded before the roster is finalized. Despite his pedigree, he appears most vulnerable-especially given that he has no first-team reps recorded.

Sanders himself remains unfazed. “Whenever I get my opportunity, I gotta maximize it,” he said, stressing his readiness even with limited reps. “I just gotta think about what I could do to get better… It’s no problem.”

His approach is methodical and grounded: he told his father, Deion, not to attend camp so as not to draw attention or be perceived as receiving privilege.

Despite his modest positioning, some analysts – including former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum – argue Sanders possesses the highest upside in the room. They cite his pro-ready size, dual-threat ability, and steep ceiling compared to Gabriel, whose camp performance has been uneven.

Gabriel moves forward ahead of Sanders

But others point to internal momentum suggesting Gabriel has swiftly become the preferred developmental quarterback. According to NFL insider Albert Breer, Gabriel has consistently led Sanders in reps and overall preparation since arriving in Cleveland.

Sanders’ quieter start has led to growing speculation regarding his long-term place with the team. Trade rumors have swirled, particularly as injury to his shoulder coincided with increased interest from other teams looking to acquire a developmental QB. Even with preseason games arriving soon, his margin for error is razor-thin.

With the Browns’ 2025 season opener now days away, the quarterback competition remains in flux. If the team chooses to carry only three quarterbacks, Sanders seems the odd man out-unless Gabriel or Pickett emerge as trade candidates. Flacco’s experience, combined with his health, gives him the clear advantage atop the chart.

Sanders’ command and poise at camp-among the highest completion rate and six touchdowns without an interception-have turned heads. Still, practice stats alone may not be enough to vault him past Gabriel in the pecking order. With analytics, team fit, and developmental trajectory all in play, his playoff hopes hinge on surpassing another rookie who currently holds more of the staff’s trust.

At this critical juncture, whether Shedeur Sanders can carve out a role depends on both his performance in preseason games and the Browns’ willingness to foster talent over veteran reliability. But as things stand, he’s buried deep and facing an uphill climb.

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