Joe Flacco; Shedeur Sanders
Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders.
Joe Flacco was named starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns
The veteran QB beat out rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, as well as Kenny Pickett
Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick, had an impressive performance in a preseason game earlier this month
The Cleveland Browns have named their starting quarterback — and he’s 17 years older than Shedeur Sanders.
On Monday, Aug. 18, the AFC team tapped 40-year-old Joe Flacco as QB1, leaving Sanders’ fate in limbo amid a crowded quarterback preseason roster.
Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel — a third-round 2025 NFL draft pick — are also vying for a spot on the team.
Since his shocking drop to the fifth round of the draft, Sanders has been all business throughout his first training camp and the preseason.
Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 16, 2025
Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 16, 2025
Earlier this month, Shedeur, 23, shared that he didn’t want his dad Deion Sanders — who visited his brother Shilo at Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp — to show up in Cleveland.
“I don't want him coming to see me right now because I want to get to where I want to go, then for him to see me,” Shedeur, who is Deion's youngest son, told reporters.
Shedeur impressed during his first preseason start on Friday, Aug. 8, completing 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards with two touchdowns.
In an exchange along the sidelines with Browns GM Andrew Berry, the Colorado alum was heard joking about his performance.
"Really, really good job," Berry told Shedeur. "I'm proud of you. Really really nice job."
Shedeur replied, smiling: "You're not fully proud — kind of proud."
An oblique injury sidelined Shedeur for the team's second preseason game, and he has seen limited practice since, according to ESPN.
Flacco joins the illustrious company of Tom Brady, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers as quarterbacks who have started NFL games past the age of 40.
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"I don't know if I was very emotional about it," Flacco told reporters on Tuesday, Aug. 19, per ESPN.
He added, "But listen, you don't take for granted opportunities in this league. Especially to get one at this point of my career is definitely special. But, like I said, it's pretty much business as usual and trying to get better."