Shedeur Sanders on Backup Duties for Browns After Joe Flacco’s Trade to Bengals

The Cleveland Browns selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the spring draft as the 144th pick after selecting Dillon Gabriel earlier.

Shedeur Sanders on Backup Duties for Browns After Joe Flacco’s Trade to Bengals

Shedeur Sanders, Joe Flacco (Images via BR/Getty Images)

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The Cleveland Browns have confirmed that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will serve as the team’s primary backup to starter Dillon Gabriel in their upcoming divisional game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The announcement came from head coach Kevin Stefanski on Friday, ending several days of speculation following recent changes in the team’s quarterback lineup.

Earlier in the week, Cleveland traded veteran Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. The trade created some uncertainty about who would step into the second-string position. Stefanski had considered both Sanders, a fifth-round pick, and Bailey Zappe from the practice squad for the role.

Sanders, despite being a popular choice, wasn’t favored to be the backup by quite a handful of analysts. Nonetheless, Sanders received the nod after spending the first five weeks of the season lower on the depth chart.

Stefanski explained that the decision was made with long-term player development in mind. He added that such intentional decisions are important in developing young rookie quarterbacks into match-winning athletes:

I’m always thinking about our players and what’s best for them. When it comes to young football players, especially quarterbacks, you have to be intentional with your decisions. That’s really all it is.

Sanders entered the season as Cleveland’s fourth quarterback after being selected 144th overall in this year’s draft. The rookie, son of Hall of Famer and current Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, had limited opportunities during training camp due to the crowded roster. However, roster adjustments, including the trade of Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas and the release of Tyler Huntley, opened a path for Sanders to make the active squad.

Over the first five games, he has mainly worked as the emergency quarterback and participated in scout team rotations with Gabriel and Zappe. Stefanski emphasized that readiness remains essential for any backup.

The backup role is a little bit different. You support the starter and stay ready in case you’re needed. That’s part of being a professional.

Sanders, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with his progression and said he is focused on preparation rather than position. He admitted that the focus is on preparing Gabriel for the upcoming divisional game. Furthermore, he added that he has been putting in the work every day as if he were on the field and that he’s ready for action.

The Browns will now move forward with a restructured quarterback lineup as they enter a key stretch of their divisional schedule. Meanwhile, Sanders is closer to his first start right now compared to when he started the season as the third-string.

Ahead of the QB2 selection news, Browns OC heaped praise on Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees offered an encouraging update on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders a day or half before the roster depth confirmation. In his assessment of the young rookie, he signaled that the young player has been making consistent progress since joining the team earlier this year.

Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders (Image via Boston NBC 25 News)

Rees noted that Sanders has shown noticeable growth since training camp, crediting his discipline and learning approach. Rees said in comments reported by The Chronicle Telegram and The Medina Gazette:

For Shedeur, we’re looking for constant improvement throughout the season. He’s done that. The level of preparation it takes week to week, when you’re putting in a new game plan, is a learning curve for all rookies. He’s getting more used to that and doing a nice job with his preparation.

While his college success demonstrated his potential, the Browns’ offensive system and the pace of the professional game have presented new challenges. Coaches have emphasized the need for steady development rather than immediate results.

For now, the organization appeared committed to giving Gabriel the starting responsibilities, though Sanders remains a viable option should the team need to make a change later in the season. The coming weeks could be crucial for both quarterbacks as Cleveland continues to evaluate its offensive stability.

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