The Quarterback Carousel: Shedeur Sanders’ Uncertain Future in Cleveland
The hype surrounding Shedeur Sanders has been astronomical since his collegiate days, but the transition to the NFL is rarely a straight line. After a rollercoaster 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns, the young quarterback now finds himself in a precarious position. While talent is undeniable, a combination of veteran returns and team dynamics could push Sanders further down the depth chart than anyone expected.
A Glimpse of Potential in the 2025 Season
Sanders didn’t start the year in the spotlight. Entering the season as the fourth-string option, he had to wait for a series of events—including injuries and the mid-season trade of Joe Flacco—to get his shot. By Week 12, Sanders took the reins, recording 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns.
While his 3-4 record as a starter wasn’t legendary, it was a significant improvement over the team’s performance with other backups. However, in the NFL, stats aren’t the only thing that determines a starting spot; fit and locker room chemistry play a massive role.
The “Shadow” Effect: Sanders vs. Dillon Gabriel
One of the most intriguing aspects of this battle is the comparison between Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel, selected 94th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, brought a stellar pedigree from the Oregon Ducks, where he threw for over 3,800 yards and 30 touchdowns in a single season.
According to ESPN analyst Tony Grossi, the difference between the two isn’t just skill, but mentality. Grossi suggests that Gabriel is the ideal backup because he is content to study, support the starter, and run the scout team without seeking the limelight.
“Shedeur’s shadow is so huge. If you didn’t like him as the starter, you did not consider him as a backup,” Grossi noted on ESPNCleveland.
The Return of Deshaun Watson
The biggest obstacle for any young gun in Cleveland remains Deshaun Watson. Despite a history of injuries—most recently a severe Achilles tendon tear—Watson is recovering well for the 2026 season. With a massive contract and veteran experience (over 17,000 career passing yards), Watson is widely expected to reclaim the starting role.
The dilemma for the Browns is clear: do they trust the veteran who cost them a fortune, or do they pivot to the youth movement? Many analysts believe that if Watson is healthy, he remains the most capable option, leaving Sanders to fight for the QB2 or even QB3 spot.
The Browns’ Management Paradox
The situation has raised eyebrows among NFL analysts. Some argue that it is inconsistent for a team to bring in a high-profile talent like Shedeur Sanders only to keep him on the bench behind a struggling veteran and a low-profile backup.
Current Depth Chart Considerations:
- Deshaun Watson: The experienced veteran returning from injury (Projected QB1).
- Dillon Gabriel: The “team-first” backup with high efficiency (Potential QB2).
- Shedeur Sanders: The high-ceiling talent with a massive public profile (Potential QB3).
Final Verdict: What’s Next for Sanders?
Shedeur Sanders possesses the arm and the athleticism to lead a franchise, but the 2026 season may be a test of patience. Whether he starts due to Watson’s health or spends the year learning from the sidelines, his ability to adapt to the “backup role” will define his early NFL career. For now, the road to the starting job in Cleveland is crowded, and the competition is fiercer than ever.
