Shedeur Sanders’ debut as quarterback for the Cleveland Browns is not confirmed. It seems he has become a long-term project for the NFL franchise. His starting role could arrive later than fans expected.
The Browns play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. However, reports indicate that Sanders will not play in that game. He is expected to remain on the bench for a while.
A strategic decision by the Browns
According to Firstsportz, a recent report by Dianna Russini from The Athletic states that the coach’s son could become the starting quarterback in the future. The veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett lead the list, followed by rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski decided to make Gabriel Flacco’s backup for the new NFL season. This move sent Sanders to the bench. The goal? To prepare him for when his time comes.
Football is back. And so is my What I’m Hearing column:
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– The Browns’ Shedeur Sanders planhttps://t.co/wDACEiM7St— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 6, 2025
“Don’t expect to see the fifth-round pick on the field this season unless things get really weird. Cleveland believes in Joe Flacco’s experience and Dillon Gabriel’s development as a backup,” Russini wrote.
In April 2025, a strong rumor circulated in the NFL. It claimed that the Browns were not interested in Sanders. However, the franchise decided to draft the Colorado Buffaloes star, disproving that theory and showing that every move by the franchise is carefully planned.
“The pick was not a master plan by the owners. It was General Manager Andrew Berry’s decision, rooted in his belief that Cleveland’s coaching staff could bring out the best in Sanders and help him become an NFL quarterback. It will be a process, and the Browns want to continue developing him,” Russini said.
For now, Sanders must focus on his growth and development with the Browns. He also must wait for the coaching staff to decide when he is ready to become the starting quarterback.
