Browns Name Shedeur Sanders Fourth-String QB Amid Depth Chart Competition

Shedeur Sanders, drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, currently holds the fourth-string quarterback position behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel, per the team's official depth chart. Despite initial expectations of being a first-round pick, Sanders' draft stock fell due to poor interviews, but he has shown promise in training camp, often outperforming Gabriel, the third-round pick. Sanders has been managing arm soreness but remains focused amid personal challenges, including his father Deion Sanders' recent bladder cancer battle, emphasizing mental resilience and determination. The Browns' crowded quarterback room, including veterans and multiple rookies, presents a complex but potentially beneficial scenario as the team looks ahead to the 2026 draft and possibly selecting a franchise quarterback. Cleveland's coaching staff is taking a cautious approach with Sanders, allowing him to develop while gauging his readiness through preseason opportunities and joint practices. Sanders' patient progression could position him as a viable starting quarterback option for the Browns in the future, as he continues to impress the coaching staff with his accuracy and consistency.