In a franchise that’s seen more quarterback chaos than consistency, the
Cleveland Browns may have found an unexpected spark in
Shedeur Sanders. The young quarterback, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, made his preseason debut with a performance that turned heads across the league.
Facing the Carolina Panthers,
Shedeur Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. According to outlets like
The Sport Rush, his passer rating hit 106.8. But beyond the stats, what really stood out was his poise. On a crucial third-and-nine, Sanders stood tall in the pocket and delivered a laser to Gage Larvadain for a 19-yard gain—showing he’s got more than just arm strength; he’s got ice in his veins.
A golden opportunity
Shedeur Sanders got his shot thanks to injuries sidelining Kenny Pickett and
Dillon Gabriel, who were temporarily out of the quarterback race. Initially listed as the fourth QB on the depth chart, Shedeur Sanders seized the moment like few others could. Joe Flacco remains the starter—and at 40, he’s a respected veteran—but his age doesn’t promise long-term stability. Pickett hasn’t convinced, and Gabriel, although drafted ahead of Sanders, hasn’t shown elite upside.
Meanwhile, as noted in the analysis published by Bleacher Report, Shedeur Sanders’ performance doesn’t make him the face of the franchise overnight. Still, it positions him as the quarterback with the highest long-term potential on the roster.
Consistency is key for Shedeur Sanders
Some analysts agree that 2025 is shaping up to be a transitional year for the Browns. That’s why giving Shedeur Sanders meaningful snaps could be a smart move. If he struggles, the team can look for a new QB in the next draft. But if he thrives, Cleveland might have its own Brock Purdy story in the making.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski, who’s led the Browns to the playoffs twice in five seasons, knows that quarterback consistency is crucial. And while Flacco had a resurgence in 2023, relying on a veteran as a permanent fix is a short-term gamble. That’s exactly where Shedeur Sanders could step in.
