NFL insider shuts down talks of Shedeur Sanders starting for Browns amid losing season

In the aftermath of trading starting quarterback Joe Flacco, the Cleveland Browns have still kept Shedeur Sanders glued to the bench behind 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel has gone 1-3 so far as Cleveland’s QB1.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio recently gave a discouraging update for Sanders fans, reporting in his latest headline that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski “isn’t thinking about playing Shedeur Sanders.” 

On the Monday after Cleveland’s latest loss to the Patriots, Stefanski was asked about potentially starting Sanders.

“The focus is where we are right now. That’s not my focus.” Stefanski told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

In his October 27 article, Florio analyzed the unfortunate state of Cleveland’s current roster and how ill-equipped it is to win games on a consistent basis – no matter who is starting at quarterback.

“Four games likely aren’t enough to make any decisions regarding whether Gabriel can develop into the long-term starter. Still, at 2-6, the Browns are likely not competing for a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive AFC … Gabriel has shown flashes of potential, and the failure to win games is far from being his fault. The Browns simply aren’t good enough, across the board (with the exception of Myles Garrett and maybe one or two others),” Florio wrote.

Since the Browns traded Joe Flacco following his horrific four-game run as Cleveland’s QB1, the 40-year-old veteran has looked borderline incredible running the Bengals’ offense through four more outings. After throwing just two touchdowns and six interceptions with Cleveland, Flacco has tossed 11 touchdowns and two interceptions with Cincinnati to the tune of 313.5 passing yards per game.

Given Flacco’s resurgence with his new team, the Browns’ quarterback position may be the least of their issues. Stefanski may give Gabriel a longer leash as he adjusts to facing NFL defenses with lackluster weapons around him – particularly in the passing game.

Despite Cleveland’s current QB1 status, Florio believes there is hope for Sanders to see the field at some point this season.

“At some point, it will make sense to see what Sanders can do.”