The Cleveland Browns selected quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL draft, opening up a rather puzzling quarterback battle.
However, the Browns traded away Kenny Pickett and named Joe Flacco the starter with Gabriel and Sanders at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.
For now, it will likely be some time before Sanders gets playing time, and ESPN's Louis Riddick said it would take underperforming or injuries from both Flacco and Gabriel before Sanders gets some run.
On Thursday, ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Rizzo discussed the Sanders ordeal, even saying the Browns should let him go if they aren't serious about giving him a chance.
"Somebody in that building does not think Shedeur is doing what he should be doing," Rizzo said. "I don't think people want to talk about. I haven't heard anybody really bring it up.
"If you're not going to give Shedeur a chance, let him go. Let him go. Are they just keeping him around for SportsCenter hits, and Stephen A. show, and jersey sales? Or are they going to give this kid a chance to play?" Rizzo added.
Rizzo said he does "understand" where the Browns drafted Gabriel, who was a third-round choice compared to Sanders being a fifth-rounder.
Still, Rizzo questioned whether or not the Browns really plan on giving Sanders a chance or not.
Browns' Plan With Shedeur Sanders
Sanders threw for 152 yards with a pair of touchdowns and zero interceptions in the preseason for Cleveland.
In the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, each of Gabriel, Sanders, Flacco and Tyler Huntley played, with Gabriel throwing the most passes.
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Huntley has since been released, and the Browns added Bailey Zappe to the practice squad in a busy week.
In the preseason finale, head coach Kevin Stefanski pulled Sanders at the end of the game and had Huntley engineer the game-winning drive, leading some to question the Browns' coach.
However, Stefanski added he's "committed to his development" when speaking of Sanders.
"I don't concern myself with outside types of things, but I'm committed to his development, just like all of our rookies," Stefanski said via NFL.com. "We'll continue to focus on getting our guys better, and that's what we'll stay committed to, and that's what's important to me."
Nonetheless, Sanders is No. 3 on the depth chart and has an uphill battle for playing time, so it will be worth watching to see when - or if - the former Colorado Buffaloes star plays for Cleveland.
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