Shedeur Sanders has only just arrived in the NFL. He is already one of its most prominent storylines.
The Browns quarterback gained plenty of notoriety across his collegiate career, drawing plenty of admirers — and arguably just as many detractors. Not much has changed in the months since he matriculated in the big leagues.
Sanders struggled mightily in Cleveland's final preseason fixture vs. the Rams on Aug. 23, absorbing more sacks (five) than completions (three). His wobbly display prompted head coach Kevin Stefanski to give Tyler Huntley the nod for the final drive of the game, a telltale sign that all wasn't right at Huntington Bank Field.
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So, where does that leave Sanders on the Browns' QB depth chart? Could he see his Cleveland career come to a close before it even started? Here's the latest on if Sanders was served his walking papers ahead of Tuesday's roster cut-down deadline.
Did Browns cut Shedeur Sanders?
The Browns did not cut Sanders. He was listed on Cleveland's official 53-man roster on Tuesday, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi.
Prior to Tuesday's announcement, all signs pointed to Sanders keeping a roster spot. General manager Andrew Berry reaffirmed Cleveland's desire to keep four quarterbacks on its roster on Aug. 23, just hours before Sanders' lackluster showing vs. the Rams.
#Browns GM Andrew Berry asked by @ChrisRose on the broadcast about keeping 4 QBs: “Honestly, it’s not much of a decision for us. All four guys have done what we’ve asked. … We have a room that we like all the guys in there. We don’t really see that as a problem. We more see it… https://t.co/wPHh8XyEBl
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 23, 2025
Sanders told reporters he believed he had done enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster after Saturday's game.
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Shedeur Sanders when asked if he deserves a spot on the Browns’ 53-man roster:
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 23, 2025
“Obviously.”
(via @BridgetCondon_)pic.twitter.com/Gy4YTCPnS4
Kenny Pickett's trade to the Raiders on Monday evening made Sanders' roster spot even more secure.
Will Browns cut Shedeur Sanders?
Sanders will retain his place the Browns' 53-man roster of the time being. He enjoyed an uneven preseason, showing flashes of his potential in a 138-yard, two-touchdown triumph over the Panthers in Week 1. He was felled by an oblique injury, missing out on Week 2. Then, there was his Week 3 — a nightmarish showcase replete with missed throws and a torrent of sacks.
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Despite his toils, Sanders wasn't the only QB facing an uncertain future in Cleveland. Tyler Huntley was cut before Tuesday's roster slimdown. Kenny Pickett, meanwhile, was shipped to Las Vegas without ever playing a game for the Browns.
Sanders has done little to assert that he is the franchise's quarterback of the future, but there seems little desire to do so from the front office. It seems reasonable to believe that Sanders will remain on the 53-man roster for throughout the 2025 season.
Browns QB depth chart
| QB | Player |
| 1 | Joe Flacco |
| 2 | Dillon Gabriel |
| 3 | Shedeur Sanders |
| PUP | Deshaun Watson |
Flacco capped off his fairly uneventful preseason with an impressive showing vs. the Rams, completing 9-of-10 passes for 71 yards and a score. He'll be Cleveland's starter in its regular season opener vs. the Bengals on Sept. 7.
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Backing him up — at least at present — is Gabriel. He put forth a strong performance vs. Los Angeles, completing 12-of-19 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.
With Huntley released, Sanders rounds out the trio of Browns' hurlers. The difference between Gabriel and Sanders' spots on the totem pole is unclear, but given the higher investment in Gabriel, he seems to be the safe backup for now.
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