Browns elevate QB Shedeur Sanders to backup role

Field Level Media|published: Fri 10th October, 14:22 2025

Sep 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up before the game between the Browns and the Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders will back up fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel when Cleveland visits the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced on Friday.

Sanders, the son of Colorado head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, ascended to the No. 2 spot following this week's trade of veteran Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Inactive for the first five games, Sanders was buried on the depth chart two months ago before Cleveland parted ways with Kenny Pickett (traded to Las Vegas Raiders), Tyler Huntley (released) and Flacco.

"I'm overly confident within myself," Sanders said Thursday, per ESPN. "I know when I first got here I'm ready to play, but that's up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, I'm fine with it."

The Browns (1-4) are already 0-2 in the AFC North heading into this Week 6 clash with the division-leading Steelers (3-1).

Sanders, a projected first-round pick, slipped to the fifth round in April's draft where the Browns grabbed him with the 144th pick -- 50 spots after taking Gabriel in the third round.

Gabriel, 24, made his first NFL start last weekend in London and completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards with two touchdowns in a 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Sanders, 23, was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year last season with the Buffaloes. He completed 74 percent of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns and rushed for four scores in 13 games.

Cleveland's once overcrowded quarterback room now includes Bailey Zappe (practice squad) and Deshaun Watson (PUP list).

--Field Level Media