The long-awaited debut of Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders arrived on Sunday. The son of NFL Hall of Famer and current Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders, the youngster was a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he certainly played like it in his initial outing.
The rookie was pressed into duty after starter Dillon Gabriel left the game to be evaluated for a concussion, as the Browns (now 2-8) fell to the Baltimore Ravens, 23-16. As far as his stat sheet goes, Sanders went 4-of-16 for 47 yards and an interception. He also got a dose of reality and expressed that he and all the Cleveland QBs, in general, were working towards winning. Specifically, he dismissed any potential of a 'quarterback controversy'.
“I’m extremely thankful, Sanders said, according to NFL insider Justin Schultz. "Let me say this: When Dillon’s out there playing, I appreciate the fans (cheering for me), but I’m a good person, so I don’t really like him not feeling comfortable and confident. It puts everything in a tough spot. It’s not helping the team.”
MORE: Shedeur Sanders implores fans to be respectful to Dillon Gabriel after loss to Ravens
It was a good sign for a polarizing player who seemingly felt he could pick and choose where he would play before the NFL even drafted him. Many around the league suggest that was a key reason, along with meddling from Daddy Deion, may have been why his stock fell so far.
But perhaps the biggest failing lies with the Browns' organization itself. Despite having a unique set of physical skills and an impressive pedigree, the coaching staff essentially practiced him as a 'project player'. He didn't take snaps in practice with the first-stringers. That lack of familiarity was evident, as the Ravens rallied from a 10-3 halftime deficit to win going away.
If Gabriel does not clear concussion protocol for the next week, Sanders is expected to start. Which means he will have plenty of time to work on some kinks in offense alongside his fellow first-teamers. Practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe will likely be activated to be the backup.
“We trust all of our guys. We trust them to perform. He’s no different. Playing a backup quarterback role is tough. We trust him,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “There are things he’ll want to do better, but that’s why we work.”