Browns Unclear on Shedeur’s Role as Backup QB Post-Flacco Trade
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is currently evaluating the team’s quarterback situation following the trade of Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco, who began the season as the Browns’ starting quarterback, lost his position to rookie Dillon Gabriel last week.
Flacco served as Gabriel’s backup during the game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. In this setup, Shedeur Sanders was designated as the emergency third-string quarterback. With the recent trade of Flacco, there is speculation regarding Sanders’ potential promotion within the team’s quarterback hierarchy.
Browns’ Quarterback Depth Chart Post-Flacco Trade
After the Flacco trade on Tuesday, observers anticipated that Sanders might become the second-string quarterback. He is currently the only active quarterback on the roster besides Gabriel, with Bailey Zappe also available on the practice squad.
Insights from Kevin Stefanski
When asked about the backup quarterback role, Stefanski emphasized the importance of player development. “I always have to be mindful of our players and our players’ development,” he stated, as reported by ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. He acknowledged the challenges of managing young talent, especially after promoting another rookie, Dillon Gabriel, to starter:
- Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Dillon Gabriel is the current starting quarterback.
- Shedeur Sanders may be moved up the depth chart.
- Bailey Zappe remains on the practice squad.
Stefanski indicated that he would take the time to deliberate on the decision, highlighting the investment the team has in developing young players. Sanders was drafted in the fifth round, following Gabriel, who was selected in the third round of the most recent draft.
Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Journey
Shedeur Sanders entered the 2025 draft as one of the top quarterback prospects. However, he unexpectedly fell to pick No. 144. To date, Sanders has not yet thrown a pass in a regular-season game.
As the Browns navigate these changes, fans will be watching closely to see how the quarterback roles evolve and the impact on the team moving forward.
