Shedeur Sanders throws well, but the Browns might cut him—and Deion can’t save him

For now, the Sanders name still grabs headlines, but it doesn’t guarantee a spot in the NFL. Shedeur Sanders, son of the legendary Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, is locked in a quiet yet intense battle to stay on the Cleveland Browns roster. His preseason debut was solid. Shedeur posted respectable numbers: 14 completions on 23 attempts, 138 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 19 rushing yards against the Carolina Panthers. A promising start, no doubt. But in a team that seems to have more quarterbacks than clarity, it doesn’t secure anything.

According to Sportskeeda, NFL insider Pete Prisco warned that the Browns could cut one of their two rookie quarterbacks before the regular season kicks off. And if it comes down to choosing between Dillon Gabriel (third-round pick) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth-round pick), the risk of Coach Prime’s son being the odd man out is very real.

Fierce competition

The battle isn’t just about numbers. Gabriel, formerly of Oregon and winner of the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, is seen as a quarterback who understands Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system. He does it without needing to shine on social media or sell jerseys. Shedeur Sanders, on the other hand, carries a powerful media narrative. Some analysts believe that could work against him. As Colin Cowherd said on his show “The Herd,” “Nobody wants a backup quarterback who’s a celebrity.”

“The rookie that they would probably get rid of would be the one they took in the 5th round.”@PriscoCBS breaks down the Browns’ crowded QB room and what that could mean for Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. pic.twitter.com/zyE927R0jG

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 18, 2025

Things get even more complicated with veterans like Joe Flacco, already confirmed as the starter. And Kenny Pickett, who could still be traded. The Browns currently have six quarterbacks on the roster: Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Tyler Huntley. While keeping four QBs is contractually possible, it’s far from common practice.

Injuries add to the equation

Shedeur Sanders is also dealing with an oblique injury that kept him out of the second preseason game against the Eagles. That opened the door for Gabriel to get more reps. His performance was shaky—one pick-six and a fumble—but the coaching staff seems to favor his quieter, more functional profile.

The final preseason game against the Rams will be critical. If Shedeur Sanders doesn’t stand out or isn’t physically ready, his time with the Cleveland Browns could end before it officially begins. And while the Sanders name opens doors, the NFL only keeps them open for performance—not pedigree.

The story of Shedeur Sanders and the Browns is far from over. But if this preseason has taught us anything, it’s that touchdowns and last names don’t guarantee job security.