Cleveland Browns Keep Shedeur Sanders on 53-Man Roster After Pickett Trade

The Cleveland Browns have finalized their quarterback depth chart for the 2025 NFL season, naming Joe Flacco as the starter, Dillon Gabriel as the primary backup, and Shedeur Sanders as the third-string quarterback. Despite a rocky preseason marked by an oblique injury and struggles in the final game, Sanders secured a spot on the 53-man roster, reflecting the Browns' commitment to his long-term development. Gabriel's consistent performance throughout training camp and preseason, including an 86.8 quarterback rating, helped him earn the No. 2 role over Sanders. The Browns' trade of Kenny Pickett to the Raiders cleared roster space, underscoring their confidence in the two rookies. Meanwhile, the team also made a significant special teams change by releasing veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins due to poor accuracy, promoting Andre Szmyt, a promising rookie with a strong collegiate record, as the new primary kicker. These moves highlight the Browns' efforts to strengthen key positions as they head into the new season.