Shedeur Sanders has secured a spot on the Cleveland Browns’ initial 53-man roster as the third-string quarterback, with Dillon Gabriel named the primary backup behind veteran starter Joe Flacco. This decision finalizes a preseason of intense competition and strategic roster moves that reshaped the team’s quarterback depth chart.
The Browns entered training camp with a crowded group of signal-callers, including Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Tyler Huntley, and rookies Gabriel and Sanders. However, the team traded Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick and released Huntley, streamlining the quarterback room to three players for the regular season. Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced the roster decisions on Tuesday, emphasizing a comprehensive evaluation process.
Stefanski confirmed that Gabriel, a third-round draft pick, will serve as Flacco’s immediate backup due to his consistent performance and improvement throughout the preseason. Sanders, a fifth-round selection and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, will begin the season as the emergency third quarterback, available on game days but not expected to see action barring injuries.
The evaluation weighed both preseason games and practice performances. Sanders made a strong debut against the Carolina Panthers, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, but an oblique injury sidelined him for the second game. Upon return in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, he struggled, going 3-of-6 for 14 yards and taking five sacks.
In contrast, Gabriel missed the opener with a hamstring issue but played in the final two games, completing 25 of 37 passes for 272 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His poise and accuracy, including a 12-of-19 performance for 129 yards and a touchdown against the Rams, solidified his position as QB2.
The quarterback situation is further complicated by Deshaun Watson’s ongoing recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, which has placed him on the physically unable to perform list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. This injury necessitated carrying three active quarterbacks for depth and insurance.
Stefanski highlighted that the decision was all-encompassing, considering game footage, practice habits, and overall development. He noted Gabriel’s readiness to step in if needed, while Sanders remains a developmental prospect with high upside, benefiting from mentorship under Flacco.
As the Browns prepare to open the 2025 NFL season against the Cincinnati Bengals, the revamped quarterback room provides stability with Flacco’s experience, Gabriel’s reliability, and Sanders’ potential for future growth, setting the stage for a competitive campaign.
