The Cleveland Browns have made a pivotal move in their quarterback room, officially naming rookie Shedeur Sanders as the team’s backup quarterback (QB2) for the upcoming Week 6 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This announcement, delivered by head coach Kevin Stefanski on Friday, signals a significant shift in the team’s depth chart and a clear focus on developing its young talent. Sanders will now serve as the primary understudy to starting signal-caller Dillon Gabriel, putting him one snap away from his NFL regular-season debut. This strategic decision comes amidst a period of considerable change for the Browns, particularly at the most critical position on the field.
A Calculated Ascent: Shedeur Sanders to QB2
Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round pick from this year’s NFL Draft, will assume the role of Browns backup QB. This promotion was largely facilitated by the recent trade of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals earlier in the week. Flacco had initially started four games for Cleveland this season before Dillon Gabriel took over as the starter. With Flacco’s departure, Sanders became the only other quarterback on the Browns’ 53-man active roster, aside from Gabriel.
Stefanski emphasized a deliberate and thoughtful approach to the decision, particularly concerning young players. “In any decision, with the football team, just want to take time and make sure I’m doing what’s right for the players,” Stefanski stated, echoing sentiments reported by various outlets. He added a critical insight regarding young quarterbacks: “I want to make sure when it comes to young football players, particularly at the quarterback position, you are intentional about your decision making. And that’s really all it is.” This underscores a long-term developmental strategy rather than a reactive, immediate roster adjustment.
The Browns’ Dynamic Quarterback Landscape
The path to Shedeur Sanders becoming the Browns backup QB has been anything but linear. The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has been in a constant state of flux since the offseason. Originally, Sanders was listed as QB4 during the preseason, behind Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and even Kenny Pickett, who was later traded to the Las Vegas Raiders before the regular season began. Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson is currently sidelined with an injury, though he has been seen working out, hinting at a potential return later in the season.
Dillon Gabriel, a third-round selection in this year’s draft, recently took over the starting reins. In last week’s loss, Gabriel completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Across three appearances this season, he boasts a 59.5 percent completion rate, accumulating 209 passing yards, three touchdowns, and notably, zero interceptions. His continued performance will be crucial for the team’s success and will influence the developmental timeline for Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders: A Developmental Prospect Steps Into the Spotlight
The Browns traded up to select Shedeur Sanders at No. 144 overall in the fifth round of this year’s draft, signaling their belief in his long-term potential. While viewed as a developmental prospect, Sanders has expressed confidence in his readiness. During a Thursday interview, prior to the official announcement, Sanders hinted at his excitement, stating, “I would say you tend to get a bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel for sure.” He also confirmed his commitment to his assigned role, noting his previous job involved preparing the defense, which he felt he did well. “I feel like now I’m ready — not saying I wasn’t ready before, but now I’m ready for whenever my opportunity is,” he added, showcasing a poised demeanor.
His limited but promising preseason action saw him complete 58.6% of his passes for 152 yards, throwing two touchdowns without an interception. He also added 19 rushing yards on four attempts, though he was sacked seven times, indicating areas for growth. The team’s strategy, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, is to ensure that “when he plays, they want him to do so with a game plan that is made for him to thrive,” suggesting the Browns are prepared to give him a full week of practice and a tailored game plan when his time comes.
The Browns’ Updated Quarterback Depth Chart
With Shedeur Sanders now solidified as the Browns backup QB, the current Cleveland Browns quarterback depth chart looks like this:
1. Dillon Gabriel: Starter
2. Shedeur Sanders: Backup
3. Bailey Zappe: Practice Squad (potential emergency third option)
4. Deshaun Watson: Injured Reserve (potential return later in the season)
The Browns also have veteran quarterback Bailey Zappe on their practice squad. Zappe brings more NFL regular-season experience to the table, having made nine career NFL starts—eight with the Patriots across 2022 and 2023, and one with the Browns last season in a Week 18 loss. While Zappe offers a more experienced alternative, the decision to elevate Sanders speaks volumes about the team’s commitment to developing their drafted rookie. However, the Browns could still sign Zappe to the 53-man roster before Saturday to provide an experienced emergency third option for Sunday’s game, ensuring they have contingency plans in place.
High Stakes in Pittsburgh: The Week 6 Showdown
The timing of Sanders’ promotion is significant, occurring just before a crucial Week 6 road game against division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. This matchup is historically challenging for the Cleveland Browns. Dillon Gabriel’s start will mark him as the 41st starting quarterback of the franchise’s “new era” and the 15th different Cleveland quarterback to start a game in Pittsburgh. The Browns have a notoriously poor regular-season record against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, having lost 21 consecutive regular-season games there since October 5, 2003 (though they did secure a playoff win there following the 2020 season).
This demanding environment places immense pressure on Gabriel, and now, by extension, on Shedeur Sanders should he be called upon. The Browns, currently seeking their second win of the season, will need both their starter and their newly appointed backup to be prepared for the intense divisional rivalry at Acrisure Stadium.
Looking Ahead: Sanders’ Trajectory in Cleveland
The naming of Shedeur Sanders as the Browns backup QB is more than just an immediate depth chart adjustment; it’s a statement about the team’s future vision. Depending on how Dillon Gabriel performs throughout the remainder of the season, Sanders may very well get an opportunity to start at some point in the 2025 season. This long-term outlook aligns with Coach Stefanski’s philosophy of being “intentional” about young quarterback development.
For now, Sanders will continue to learn, prepare, and grow under the guidance of the coaching staff, ready to step in if needed. His quick ascent from a fifth-round draft pick to the immediate backup role underscores the Browns’ evolving quarterback strategy and their commitment to cultivating homegrown talent. The journey for both Gabriel and Sanders will be closely watched as the Browns navigate their season with two promising young signal-callers at the helm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shedeur Sanders named the Browns’ backup quarterback?
Shedeur Sanders was named the Browns’ backup quarterback primarily due to the recent trade of veteran QB Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, which left Sanders as the sole other quarterback on the active 53-man roster alongside starter Dillon Gabriel. Head coach Kevin Stefanski also emphasized a deliberate, intentional approach to developing young quarterbacks, suggesting this move aligns with the team’s long-term strategy for Sanders. The decision highlights a strategic commitment to nurturing their drafted rookie talent.
What is the current Cleveland Browns quarterback depth chart?
The official Cleveland Browns quarterback depth chart for Week 6 against the Steelers features Dillon Gabriel as the starter and Shedeur Sanders as the backup (QB2). Veteran Bailey Zappe is currently on the practice squad, providing a potential third emergency option. Deshaun Watson is currently on injured reserve, with a possible return later in the season. This setup positions two rookie signal-callers at the top of the depth chart.
What are the immediate and long-term implications of Sanders’ promotion?
Immediately, Shedeur Sanders is now one play away from making his NFL regular-season debut, putting greater pressure on his preparation. The move reflects the Browns’ commitment to developing their rookie draft pick over a more experienced practice squad option like Bailey Zappe. Long-term, this promotion signals that the Browns view Sanders as a key part of their future at the quarterback position, potentially setting him up for a starting opportunity in the 2025 season, contingent on Dillon Gabriel’s performance and Sanders’ continued development. The team aims to provide him with a tailored game plan when he eventually plays.
