Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders Shines in Debut, But Browns Opt for Veteran Flacco as Starter

In the weeks leading up to the 2025 NFL draft, Shedeur Sanders was considered one of the best quarterback prospects. However, NFL executives cited concerns about his professionalism during interviews, which may have been influenced by biases related to his high-profile family name (his father is Deion Sanders). As a result, Sanders fell to the fifth round, where he was selected by the Cleveland Browns.

Sanders made his first NFL start in the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on August 12th, 2025, partly due to the absence of the Browns' other quarterbacks. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his potential. Unfortunately, Sanders sustained an oblique injury in practice prior to the team's next preseason game, limiting his opportunities to compete for a higher spot on the depth chart.

Following preseason evaluations, the Browns announced on August 21st, 2025, that Joe Flacco would be the starting quarterback, a decision that surprised some given Sanders' promising debut. Media personality Joe Budden voiced concerns that the Browns might be undermining Shedeur Sanders' career, suggesting that the organization has not fully supported him.

Shedeur Sanders addressed comments made by Dillon Gabriel during the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 19th, 2025. Gabriel had distinguished between "entertainers" and "competitors" in his remarks, which some interpreted as a subtle jab at Sanders. However, Sanders said that Gabriel personally clarified the situation, assuring him that the "entertainers" mentioned were actually directed at media members, not Sanders.