Shedeur Sanders' start in Cleveland has been a rocky one. The Browns rookie quarterback got one preseason game of real action, but since then has been on the sidelines as the third-string emergency option.
The latest speculation might provide a clear picture on Sanders' future in the NFL.
ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo said on his show Thursday that Shedeur wasn't involved at all in pregame preparations. He even heard reports that Sanders isn't even running the scout team.
"I'm hearing Shedeur isn't even running scout team, he's literally watching everyone play," Rizzo said. "Bailey Zappe's running scout team, that's what I'm hearing. Why is he on the team? Why is he here? Because his jersey is selling?"
"I'm hearing Shedeur isn't even running scout team, he's literally watching everyone... why is he on the team, why is he here?," - @TheRealTRizzo on what he's hearing about Shedeur Sanders. pic.twitter.com/Mtx6bs0rZL
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 11, 2025
Yes, Zappe is running the scout team and Sanders isn't. But that's his job with Sanders meant to back up Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel. It may feel like Shedeur is doing "nothing" but he's still in the QB room.
Sanders is a future project for the Browns. They believe in his talents and development. Otherwise, why would you get rid of Kenny Pickett before the season?
The headline-grabbing draft slide was rare and Sanders was projected to be a top-round pick. But he wasn't and there were only six teams which truly needed to draft a quarterback, and all of them skipped on Shedeur at least four times.
For now, Sanders will trust the process and try to fit in. He may become a starting NFL quarterback, whether that comes in Cleveland or not. It's up to Sanders to embrace the role or not. But it's not greener anywhere else. Regardless, he's a Sanders and will stay ready to go when his name is called.
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