Amid a 1-3 start and some downright bad quarterback play, the Cleveland Browns are making a change under center.
On Tuesday, the Browns announced that starting QB Joe Flacco would be relegated to the bench while rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel will get the starting nod against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. But while it’s bad news for Flacco, it isn’t good news for Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders either.
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Despite demoting Flacco, the Browns have decided to keep Shedeur as the third-string quarterback on the depth chart. As a result, he is unlikely to see the field for the foreseeable future.
Some Browns fans, or more specifically fans of Shedeur, have viewed this decision as a major slight against him and are taking the team to task for it.
“Although, I think it’s a bit early; I’m excited that the Browns are giving Gabriel a chance for us to see if he is the future. However, making Joe Flacco the 2nd string over Shedeur Sanders is the the DUMBEST thing that I’ve heard in a while! Makes zero sense,” one fan wrote on X.
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“Wrong QB. We want Shedeur Sanders,” another said bluntly.
“I wanted Sanders though,” a third lamented.
Unfortunately for his fans, it’s probably going to take an injury at this point for Sanders to find himself rising up the depth chart. The Browns seem very intent on keeping Flacco part of their present and Gabriel part of their future.
Jun 12, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during mini camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
State of the Browns
Through the first month of the season, Sanders has not seen the field for the Browns at all in spite of the team’s 1-3 start and total offensive ineptitude. The Browns’ offense ranks 31st in points and 27th in yards.
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Nevertheless, head coach Kevin Stefanski has balked at giving snaps to any QB other than Flacco. Gabriel has thrown four passes in two appearances this season, one of which went for a touchdown in garbage time against the Baltimore Ravens.
It’s really not clear what the Browns’ plan is for Shedeur Sanders right now or even if he will be a part of their future.
It’s certainly possible that the idea is for Flacco to start the season while Gabriel and Sanders develop, then have the two QBs compete for the starting job in 2026. But if the season keeps going the way it has been, Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry may not be given the chance to see the plan through.
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This story was originally reported by The Spun on Oct 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.