The Cleveland Browns chose to take Shedeur Sanders with the 144th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Coincidentally, that selection came shortly after the team already drafted quarterback Dillon Gabriel out of Oregon. Come week six, Gabriel is the starter and Sanders is the backup.
However, Sanders knows his time to take the field for real is coming soon.
A Quote From Shedeur Sanders On His Future With The Browns
Sep 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk:
The Browns have not said whether Shedeur Sanders will serve as their No. 2 quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Steelers, but his comments on Thursday suggest he sees this week’s trade of Joe Flacco as moving him a step closer to his first NFL action.
Dillon Gabriel’s backup will either be Sanders or Bailey Zappe, who is on the team’s practice squad, and Sanders said on Wednesday that he’s “thankful” for any role that the Browns have in mind for him. He also said that it feels good to see a path to getting on the field taking shape.
Sep 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on from he sidelines during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
“I’m in a great mental space overall,” Sanders said, via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. “So I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure.”
Sanders said he is “going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon’s ready for the game” while also preparing himself in the event that his number is called.
The Browns have until Saturday to elevate Zappe to the active roster, so a hint about the team’s decision for this weekend may not come on Friday.
Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) talk to the media during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Here is a look at Sanders’ stats at Colorado:
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included.
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) with the ball in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Jul 28, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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