The Cleveland Browns came into the 2025 season with a clear quarterback logjam. Now 11 games in, things have been as cloudy as ever lately in Kevin Stefanski's quarterback room.
While the Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco trades over recent months helped clear room for the younger passers on the Browns, there's been a brewing competition for reps between Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders recently. Gabriel stepped in for Flacco when the vet was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, but after six starts, an injury sent the former Oregon star the sidelines.
That allowed lightning rod rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to make a Week 12 start. But with Gabriel healthy once again, which rookie is Stefanski rolling with for Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers?
Here's an updated look at Cleveland's quarterback depth chart ahead of Week 13.
MORE:What did Shedeur Sanders and Kevin Stefanski say after Week 12 win?
Browns QB depth chart
Rank Player
1 Shedeur Sanders
2 Dillon Gabriel
3 Bailey Zappe
Initially, Kevin Stefanski declined to name a starting quarterback for Week 13 after Sanders led the Browns to a win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
“Obviously, proud of him and proud of this offense and there are a ton of things to learn from, but I’m just going to worry about today," Stefanski said.
However, as of Monday, that has changed.
Cleveland is naming Sanders its Week 13 starter, according to Ian Rapoport, even with Dillon Gabriel clearing concussion protocol and being available for the matchup. The move gives Sanders an opportunity to continue leading the Browns' offense after his 209 passing yards, one touchdown pass and one interception in Week 12.
While Sanders had some ups and downs against the Raiders, he also helped guide Cleveland to a season-high 24 points, including a few downfield passes that helped ignite some offense. Gabriel is set to return to the bench for at least one more week, having thrown for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions so far this season.
Sanders became the first Browns quarterback to win in his NFL starting debut since 1995 in Week 12. He will be getting his chance to build on that against a tougher 49ers defense in Week 13, but Stefanski's quarterback situation will remain a storyline to watch for the remainder of the 2025 season.
For now, Sanders will be QB1 in Cleveland, a role he seems to have command of as long as he keeps the Browns' offense going strong. Gabriel will continue to lurk as QB2, while a somewhat more established passer, Bailey Zappe, is another option for the Browns if needed.
MORE:Full Shedeur Sanders stats, highlights from Week 12 win over Raiders