Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders does not thoughts seeing fellow quarterback Joe Flacco go elsewhere.
On Tuesday, the Browns dealt Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round choose to the Cincinnati Bengals for a 2026 fifth-rounder. After going 1-3 in 4 begins, the 40-year-old QB was benched for rookie QB Dillon Gabriel, now Cleveland’s starter.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to name Gabriel’s backup QB. Nonetheless, the previous Colorado Buffaloes star Sanders believes his path to taking part in time is far clearer.
Shedeur Sanders is worked up following Joe Flacco commerce
On Thursday, Sanders mentioned he “sees a light-weight on the finish of the tunnel” whereas discussing his position with the crew.
“I am in an incredible psychological house total,” the QB mentioned, via ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. “So I might say you are inclined to get a little bit bit extra excited if you see a light-weight on the finish of the tunnel, for positive. …No matter my position is right here, I am grateful. I am pleased simply to try this.”
That position stays undetermined for now. The Browns’ teaching employees has made it obvious that they worth expertise, which is one motive they began Flacco. That is why they took Gabriel (choose No. 94) earlier than Sanders (choose No. 144) within the 2025 NFL Draft. The 24-year-old performed in 64 video games in six collegiate seasons at Central Florida, Oklahoma and Oregon.
That will give Bailey Zappe — whom Sanders cut up scout-team reps with in the course of the season’s first month — an edge. The 2022 fourth-round choose has began 9 video games in three seasons with the New England Patriots and Browns, however has a 4-5 document.
During a Thursday news conference, Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Sanders for “fixed enchancment” all through the season. Take that as a constructive signal for the 23-year-old QB.
To win the backup job, the Browns might want Sanders to point out extra maturity. Apologizing for going “full mime” with reporters after ESPN analyst Rex Ryan ripped him final week was a begin. It was additionally sensible to say that he is making certain Gabriel’s ready for Sunday’s street recreation towards the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
Sanders insisted he’ll be effective with no matter his coaches do, however he’ll definitely be disenchanted if named QB3 once more. Nevertheless, he believes he is nearing a brighter future in Cleveland.
