The Cleveland Browns concluded the preseason with a 3-0 record, but uncertainty remains regarding the composition of their quarterback room.
General manager Andrew Berry suggested that retaining multiple quarterbacks could be advantageous rather than problematic, indicating the team is considering the possibility of carrying four quarterbacks into the regular season.
Joe Flacco has firmly established himself as the starting quarterback for Week 1, leaving the backup role as the primary point of evaluation.
Rookie Shedeur Sanders appeared to be a strong contender early in the preseason, delivering a notable performance against the Carolina Panthers with 14 completions on 23 attempts and two touchdowns.
However, an oblique injury interrupted his momentum, creating an opportunity for fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel to gain playing experience.
Gabriel performed effectively in limited action, completing 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Preseason finale highlights Gabriel’s edge
The Browns‘ preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams further clarified the competition between Sanders and Gabriel for the QB2 position.
Flacco started the game and completed 9 of 10 passes for 71 yards on three drives. Gabriel then entered and delivered a strong performance, completing 12 of 19 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Sanders, in contrast, struggled over five drives, completing only 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards and surrendering five sacks. Head coach Kevin Stefanski replaced Sanders with Tyler Huntley for the final two-minute drive.
Analysis of the preseason finale has raised questions about Sanders‘ readiness. Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan contended that Gabriel demonstrated greater preparedness for the NFL level, noting that Sanders’ limited output was insufficient to secure a clear advantage.
While offensive adjustments during the game may have affected Sanders’ performance, the contrast between his results and Gabriel’s efficiency was significant.
Despite these challenges, Sanders is expected to make the Browns‘ 53-man roster. The rookie emphasized his commitment to improvement and his confidence in contributing to the team.
“I think, overall as a player, I’ve put in the work… I feel like everything I do, I try to do it to my best, and that’s all I can ask for,” Sanders stated.
“If you ask anybody on the team, would they feel like they belong-they belong in their own eyes. I feel like I do, but I’m my own player… it’s not my decision.”
The Browns‘ quarterback group also includes Kenny Pickett, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, adding further complexity to the depth chart.
The team must finalize its 53-man roster by August 26, and the decision to carry four quarterbacks could provide both insurance and flexibility as the season begins.
Sanders‘ preseason performance reflects both potential and areas requiring development. While Gabriel currently appears to hold the edge for the backup position, Sanders‘ work ethic and talent suggest he will remain a critical part of the quarterback evaluation.
Stefanski and the Browns‘ front office will ultimately determine the hierarchy of the quarterback room, with the regular season providing the first clear indications of how depth behind Flacco will impact Cleveland’s offensive strategy.
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