The ongoing quarterback saga in Cleveland continues to unfold, with new twists emerging almost daily as the Browns navigate an intense battle for the starting job – and even a roster spot – ahead of final cuts to 53 players.
Speculation has run rampant in recent weeks. From discussions about which quarterbacks receive practice reps to rumors of trades, demotions, or even potential exits to the Canadian Football League, the noise surrounding the team’s depth chart has been constant. Amid the chaos, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has drawn outsized attention despite having yet to prove himself at the NFL level.
Since arriving in Cleveland, Sanders has been at the center of media scrutiny, much of it fueled by his surprising slide during April’s draft. The coverage has been a rollercoaster – praise one day, criticism the next – leading some observers to wonder whether forces within the organization might be rooting for him to fail.
Radio host rejects conspiracy theories
Addressing such speculation, local radio host Ken Carman dismissed any notion of an internal campaign to undermine the rookie. He argued the franchise has, in fact, gone out of its way to support Sanders’ development and give him every opportunity to succeed.
Teams, Carman emphasized, do not invest in players with the intent to see them fail. While the transition from college football to the NFL is notoriously challenging, and Sanders may still lack the polish required at this level, Carman insisted that organizational sabotage simply isn’t in play.
The reality, he suggested, is more straightforward: Sanders is a young player adjusting to the steep learning curve of professional football. Whether he ultimately earns a roster spot will depend on his ability to adapt, not on any hidden agenda from the team.
Battle for the starting job remains fluid
Complicating matters further is the Browns’ crowded quarterback room. Alongside Sanders, veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett – plus rookie Dillon Gabriel – are all vying for roles. Pickett had been the favorite to start, but a hamstring injury has opened the door for Flacco to potentially begin the season under center.
This dynamic leaves Sanders’ immediate future uncertain. Preseason games will likely determine whether he earns meaningful snaps or spends most of his rookie year observing from the sidelines.
Preseason schedule and expectations
Cleveland opens its preseason slate on Friday, August 8, hosting the Carolina Panthers. They’ll then welcome the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles on August 18 before closing on the road against the Los Angeles Rams on August 23.
Expectations for the Browns remain muted, yet optimism lingers that the team can rewrite its narrative and surprise skeptics, a storyline in which Sanders still hopes to play a meaningful part. And obtain a spot on the team.
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