Browns Face Quarterback Uncertainty Amid Shedeur Sanders Roster Warning

Shedeur Sanders, a highly touted quarterback prospect and son of Deion Sanders, experienced a surprising slide to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft despite leading the FBS in completion percentage and showing strong ball security in college. His draft fall has been attributed not only to concerns about his deep-ball accuracy, mobility, and high sack rate but also to off-field perceptions, including his father's outspoken comments, which some NFL executives believe negatively impacted his draft stock. The Cleveland Browns, who selected Sanders, have emphasized that draft position does not guarantee a roster spot, with head coach Kevin Stefanski stressing that all players must earn their roles through performance and effort. Currently, Sanders faces intense competition for the quarterback position within the Browns, contending with veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, injured Deshaun Watson, and rookie Dillon Gabriel, who initially received more reps in rookie minicamp. However, reports from Browns insiders and beat writers indicate that Sanders has looked sharper than Gabriel during camp, raising questions about who will secure the backup or starting roles. The quarterback competition remains open and is expected to be one of the most closely watched battles of the preseason, with Stefanski cautioning that no player's status is secure based on draft status or reputation alone.