Browns Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders Works Hard Amid Fourth-String Status

Shedeur Sanders, rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns and son of Deion Sanders, has faced a challenging start to his NFL career, being positioned primarily as the fourth-string quarterback behind veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel. Despite limited first-team reps during OTAs and minicamp, Sanders has maintained a positive mindset and demonstrated strong work ethic, staying after practice to run solo drills and impress coaches with his skill and leadership potential. Head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that the team is still in the early installation phase, downplaying concerns about Sanders’ current role. Sanders’ rapport with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has been noted as a positive influence, suggesting that if Flacco remains with the team, Sanders is more likely to stay as well, while other quarterbacks like Pickett might be traded. Analysts and reporters remain skeptical about Sanders, who dropped from a projected first-round pick to a fifth-round selection, but his on-field performance during practices has shown improvement and promise. Overall, Sanders is viewed as a hardworking rookie with potential who must continue to prove himself amid a crowded quarterback competition in Cleveland.