Sanders questions rival QBs as Browns await debut

Shedeur Sanders delivered a brash assessment of rival NFL quarterbacks as he waited for his regular-season debut with the Cleveland Browns. The fifth-round pick, who fell to No. 144 in this year’s draft, quieted critics in his preseason debut by tossing two touchdowns and completing 14 of 23 passes against the Panthers, though he remains buried on Cleveland’s depth chart behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.

Sanders has yet to find a path to regular-season duty, with Browns coach Kevin Stefanski saying the team would ride Flacco and Gabriel unless circumstances change. In an interview with ESPN Cleveland, Sanders said he believes he stacks up well with his peers around the league. "I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I'm capable of doing better than that," he said.

While Sanders waits, the early-season landscape around the NFL has featured quarterback churn. Russell Wilson has already been replaced by Giants rookie Jaxson Dart, and other sophomores such as Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix have faced regression in various systems. Cleveland’s own situation has not prompted a quarterback change; Stefanski said Flacco remains the starter for now, and Sanders’ confidence is noted even as his playing time remains uncertain. Flacco has thrown four interceptions through the first three weeks, tied for second in the league, while Sanders’ peers continue to be scrutinized as teams seek stability.

The league’s early-season landscape has also involved injuries that could alter plans for contenders. Cincinnati could be without starter Joe Burrow for the season after a turf-toe injury, with his backup Jake Browning leading the league in interceptions. The Browns themselves navigated a summer carousel at quarterback that included five quarterbacks on the roster at one point before Tyler Huntley was cut and Kenny Pickett was traded to the Raiders. Sanders missed the second preseason game with an oblique injury and took five sacks in the late preseason loss to the Rams.

Gabriel, Cleveland’s third‑round rookie, finished the preseason with 272 passing yards, a 67.6 percent completion rate, one touchdown and one interception. He will back up Flacco on Sunday when Cleveland hosts the Detroit Lions.

As Sanders continues to press for a path to the field, Cleveland’s long‑term plan for the position will continue to unfold in coming weeks. Sunday’s game against Detroit will add another data point to the Browns’ quarterback math as they weigh whether to accelerate Sanders’ timeline or stick with the veteran-bridge approach.