The battle to become the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback was one of the most hotly contested in recent memory. Ultimately, head coach Kevin Stefanski handed the reins to veteran Joe Flacco-but Deion Sanders appears to disagree. And his own roster decisions may be sending a subtle signal to Stefanski.
For four months, fans and analysts closely followed the Browns’ training camp as Stefanski weighed his options between Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The decision would shape the team’s future heading into the 2025 NFL season.
The offseason was a roller coaster for Shedeur. One week, he looked poised to secure the QB2 spot; the next, he seemed on the verge of being cut. In the end, Pickett was released, Shedeur was relegated to the third team, and Coach Prime wasn’t pleased.
Coach Prime’s quiet message to Cleveland
Unlike Stefanski, who finalized his depth chart before the season began, Sanders is still experimenting. After starting Kaidon Salter in Colorado’s 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech in Week 1, Coach Prime shook things up in Week 2 against Delaware.
He gave all three quarterbacks-Salter, highly touted freshman Julian Lewis, and Ryan Staub-a chance to shine. Staub ultimately led the Buffaloes to a dominant 31-7 win, delivering a near-flawless performance that earned praise from Sanders.
Though Sanders hasn’t confirmed Staub as the permanent starter, his willingness to elevate a QB3 could be a subtle nudge to Stefanski: If Colorado’s third-stringer can deliver, maybe Shedeur can too-leapfrogging Gabriel and even challenging Flacco.
Could Shedeur still become QB1 in Cleveland?
Shedeur Sanders impressed in limited preseason action. His standout moment came in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, where he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Still, it wasn’t enough to secure the starting role.
Analysts believe Shedeur’s path to QB1 hinges on major setbacks for both Flacco and Gabriel. But Coach Prime may not be done advocating for his son. Time will tell what other “messages” he sends Stefanski’s way.
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