Imagine the thrill of a young quarterback on the cusp of NFL stardom, just one play away from taking the field—now that's the electrifying reality for Shedeur Sanders with the Cleveland Browns! But here's where it gets controversial: is betting on unproven talent over seasoned veterans the bold move Cleveland needs, or a gamble that could backfire? Let's dive into the details and unpack this exciting shift in the Browns' quarterback lineup.
In a surprising turn of events, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed during his Friday press conference that Shedeur Sanders will step in as Cleveland's backup quarterback for the upcoming Sunday showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This decision comes after the team traded away veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this week, elevating Sanders to the role behind starting QB Dillon Gabriel.
Stefanski emphasized a thoughtful approach to team decisions, stating, 'In any decision, with the football team, just want to take time and make sure I’m doing what’s right for the players.' This quote, shared by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, highlights the coach's commitment to player welfare and strategic planning.
For beginners in football fandom, let's clarify: the 'backup quarterback'—often called QB2—is the player ready to jump in if the starter gets injured or needs a break. Right now, Sanders is the only other quarterback on the Browns' 53-man roster besides Gabriel. To add an extra layer of security, the team could promote practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe to the active roster, giving them a third option in case of emergencies. This is a smart precaution in the high-stakes NFL, where injuries can change everything in an instant.
Gabriel, selected in the third round of this year's draft, showed promise in his recent outing. Last week, he threw for 190 yards on 19-of-33 passes, including two touchdowns, in a tough loss. Over his three games this season, he's hitting 59.5 percent of his throws for 209 yards total, with three touchdowns and zero interceptions—a solid start for a rookie.
The Browns invested in Sanders by trading up to pick him 144th overall in the fifth round of the draft. Depending on Gabriel's performance throughout the 2025 season, Sanders could get his shot at starting. And this is the part most people miss: with young quarterbacks like these, the Browns are signaling a long-term rebuild, but some critics argue it might leave them vulnerable in the short term against tough opponents like the Steelers.
For now, though, Sanders will hold the QB2 spot as Cleveland heads to Pittsburgh for their Week 6 divisional clash. This rivalry game is always intense, pitting two teams with storied histories and passionate fanbases—think high-stakes battles that could define the season.
What do you think? Is trading a veteran like Flacco for fresh faces like Sanders and Gabriel a smart strategy, or should the Browns have stuck with experience? Do you believe Sanders is ready to shine if called upon? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss!
