The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has evolved into one of the NFL’s most-watched and unpredictable storylines of the 2025 season. With Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and the departure of Joe Flacco shaping the depth chart, the intrigue has only grown. The Browns’ offense is struggling, fans are restless, and speculation around Sanders’ future continues to intensify both in Cleveland and across the league.
The Unfolding Browns Quarterback Saga
The Cleveland Browns have spent the first half of the 2025 NFL season trying to find consistency under center. The trade of Joe Flacco opened the door for Dillon Gabriel to step into the starting role, while rookie Shedeur Sanders has been waiting for his chance.
What once seemed like a stable quarterback room has now become a topic of daily discussion among analysts, fans, and even opposing teams. The dynamic between development, performance, and organizational patience has turned this quarterback situation into a focal point of the Browns’ season.
Dillon Gabriel inherited the starting job after Joe Flacco’s trade and has since experienced a mix of highs and lows. Through six appearances, Gabriel has thrown for 702 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions, completing 59.9% of his passes. His approach has been conservative, focused on limiting mistakes rather than pushing the ball downfield.
While this has occasionally kept the Browns competitive, the lack of offensive explosiveness has contributed to three losses in the last four games, leaving Cleveland’s record and confidence in flux.
Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Journey and NFL Arrival
Shedeur Sanders’ path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. The former Colorado star and son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders entered the 2025 NFL Draft surrounded by immense hype and scrutiny.
Despite an impressive college resume and his recognition as the former Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Sanders slipped all the way to the fifth round, a slide that shocked many. The fall intensified media attention and raised questions about how teams evaluated his readiness for the next level.
Once drafted, Sanders entered Browns training camp as a developmental quarterback. He spent most of his offseason working with the second unit, gaining valuable practice reps but seeing limited preseason action. His minimal snaps during exhibition play indicated the organization’s cautious approach, viewing him as a long-term project rather than an immediate starter.
Fans and analysts began debating whether Cleveland had underestimated his potential or correctly judged that he needed more time to adjust to NFL speed and schemes.
The Rookie’s Silence and Subtle Messages
While Shedeur Sanders has yet to play a single regular season snap, his presence still commands attention. Recently, during a Thursday live stream, he addressed questions about possibly attending Colorado’s Homecoming during the Browns’ Week 9 bye.
His comments made it clear he would stay in Cleveland for treatment and preparation, emphasizing that he “had to get ready” for what lies ahead.
Sanders’ brief remarks were revealing. By prioritizing preparation over celebration, he showed a professional focus that reflects both determination and perhaps an awareness of what’s coming.
Fans and analysts interpreted his tone as an indication that he knows more about his situation than has been publicly revealed. His decision not to travel may point toward either increased involvement after the bye week or a potential shift in his standing within the organization.
A Conservative Offense in Crisis
The Browns’ offensive struggles have magnified every quarterback-related decision this season. The team is averaging only 15.8 points per game, ranking third-last in the NFL. Despite a talented defense and an experienced coaching staff, Cleveland’s inability to sustain drives or generate big plays has sparked widespread debate over whether Gabriel can lead the team forward.
Gabriel’s game-management approach has earned him respect for his poise but criticism for his limited risk-taking. The offense’s inability to stretch the field has left defenses crowding the line of scrimmage, effectively neutralizing the Browns’ running game.
Fans and analysts are calling for a change that could bring life to a stagnant unit. The name most mentioned in that conversation is Shedeur Sanders, whose skillset promises mobility, creativity, and a fresh dynamic.
Calls for a Quarterback Change
Momentum is building among the Browns’ fan base and local media to give Sanders an opportunity. The team’s recent skid, with three losses in four games, has only intensified that pressure.
Supporters argue that Sanders’ combination of poise, pedigree, and arm talent could jumpstart an offense in desperate need of spark. Detractors point to his lack of NFL experience and question whether throwing him into a struggling system would do more harm than good. Fans and media are divided on Sanders’ future with the Browns.
While some view him as a promising talent deserving of development, others question whether there’s room for his growth in Cleveland. His high-profile background and draft-day slide have added to the intrigue surrounding his NFL journey.
The Trade Deadline Shadow
As the November 4 NFL trade deadline approaches, speculation continues to swirl around whether the Browns might move Sanders. Though he hasn’t yet played a regular season down, his market value remains high due to his college pedigree and national attention.
QB-needy franchises like the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins have all been mentioned as potential trade destinations. These teams see Sanders as a long-term investment who could develop into a future starter under the right circumstances.
Cleveland, meanwhile, must weigh whether keeping him as a developmental asset or trading him for immediate help better serves their playoff aspirations.
Front Office Perception and Patience
The Browns’ decision-making process regarding Sanders has reflected both restraint and uncertainty. The coaching staff views him as a project, while parts of the front office recognize the marketing and long-term potential tied to his name.
The team’s hesitation could be interpreted as caution, but critics argue it borders on missed opportunity. By holding him back, Cleveland risks stalling his development while frustrating a fan base eager for excitement. The internal divide between short-term competitiveness and long-term growth remains a defining challenge.
Shedeur Sanders’ Professional Mindset
Sanders’ approach to his first NFL season has shown maturity beyond his years. Despite not seeing game action, his focus on training, recovery, and preparation indicates that he understands the patience required to succeed at this level.
By choosing to remain in Cleveland during the bye week instead of returning to Colorado, Sanders sent a message of dedication. His discipline and awareness of what it takes to become a professional quarterback have earned quiet respect from teammates and coaches. This commitment could eventually translate into on-field trust when the opportunity arises.
The Media and Fan Frenzy
Media coverage of the Browns’ quarterback situation has reached a fever pitch. Every week, new speculation emerges regarding Sanders’ readiness, Gabriel’s performance, and how the front office will respond to growing frustration among fans.
Sanders’ background and surname have amplified the scrutiny. The combination of his college stardom and his father’s legendary career ensures that every development involving him generates headlines. Cleveland’s quarterback situation is now both a sports story and a national entertainment topic, making it impossible for the team to operate quietly.
Fans, media and NFL fantasy rankings are divided on Sanders’ future with the Browns. While some view him as a promising talent deserving of development, others question whether there’s room for his growth in Cleveland. His high-profile background and draft-day slide have added to the intrigue surrounding his NFL journey.
Evaluating Sanders’ Fantasy Football Impact
Fantasy football enthusiasts have been watching closely for any sign of Sanders’ potential debut. Though he hasn’t played yet, his upside as a dual-threat quarterback could make him a valuable fantasy pickup once he earns playing time.
If given the chance, Sanders’ athleticism and passing accuracy from college could translate into fantasy success, particularly in leagues that reward rushing stats. His development remains speculative, but fantasy managers recognize that few rookies carry his combination of name value and long-term potential.
What Lies Ahead for the Browns and Sanders
The Browns face critical decisions in the coming weeks. With the offense sputtering and fan pressure mounting, the organization must determine whether to stay the course with Gabriel or hand the keys to Sanders.
No matter what happens before or after the trade deadline, Shedeur Sanders’ situation in Cleveland will remain one of the league’s most compelling subplots. Whether he stays, starts, or moves on, his journey will continue to attract national attention as the 2025 season unfolds.