“He should start warming up”: NFL fans react as Browns turn to Bailey Zappe as Shedeur Sanders’ backup vs. Raiders

The Cleveland Browns have shaken up their quarterback hierarchy again. On Saturday, they promoted Bailey Zappe from their practice squad to become their new backup behind Shedeur Sanders, who will make his first career start at the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

And reactions abounded from fans in the aftermath:

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Zappe, a fourth-round pick for the New England Patriots in 2022, originally joined the Browns in 2024 after spending some time with the Kansas City Chiefs - something that he would do again this year. He played one game - a start in the season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.

He finished with 16 completions for 170 yards and a touchdown to Jordan Akins against two interceptions in a 35-10 loss.

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Raiders HC Pete Carroll gets candid about Browns' new starter Shedeur Sanders

Back to the subject of Shedeur Sanders, Raiders coach Pete Carroll has some new insight into the Browns' new starter. During his press conference on Friday, he recalled visiting the fifth-round rookie during the lead-up to the draft:

“I talked to him a little extra. Just trying to understand where he was coming from, realizing he had been under enormous pressure growing up and just naturally with the pops that he had and all that. … “He’s got a really good outlook on the world and how he deals with all the stressors and of the things that comes his way. I really liked him. He’s a piano player, well-versed. I was impressed with the kid.”

Ultimately, however, the franchise did not select him, preferring to mainly prioritize the running game with Ashton Jeanty at No. 6. They did select a quarterback on Day 3 - Cam Miller.

Meanwhile, Sanders shared his thoughts on starting for the first time on Wednesday:

“Mentally and emotionally, I’m in a great place overall. In life, there’s always going to be adversity. Things aren’t always going to go as planned, but I would say, I’m prepared for everything. … The same how I always am. “... They have a great defense. They’re coached by a great coach, and they have great players on that side of the ball. So (I'm) just doing what I can to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally, to make sure I’m my best self.”

Kickoff for the Browns-Raiders game is at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS

Edited by Andre Castillo