The Browns shook up their quarterback room this week by trading Joe Flacco to the Bengals, but that doesn't mean Shedeur Sanders is automatically moving up the ladder. At least not yet.
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Following the trade, Sanders and rookie starter Dillon Gabriel were the only two quarterbacks left on Cleveland's active roster. Naturally, the first question for head coach Kevin Stefanski on Wednesday was whether Sanders is now officially the No. 2. Stefanski didn't exactly slam that door shut, but he didn't open it either.
The coach called the Flacco trade "not something that we saw coming" and made it clear he hasn't finalized the depth chart in the wake of the move.
"We're still working through all roster-type things. I always have to be mindful of our players and our players' development," Stefanski told reporters. "I want to make sure that I'm always doing what's best for our players, and of course our team. With young players, I'm always thinking about... last week, making the change to Dillon, you have to think long and hard about that because these are young players that you're so invested in their development. I'll let the week play out and make a decision on that."
For now, the Browns could elevate Bailey Zappe from the practice squad and use him as Gabriel's backup when they face the Steelers on Sunday. There's also some intrigue about when Sanders will get his shot.
A report over the weekend suggested Stefanski wants to work him into game action before the end of 2025, but only after tailoring a game plan to his strengths.
#Browns Kevin Stefanski will wait until later in the week to decide if Shedeur Sanders will be the No. 2 vs #Steelers: pic.twitter.com/xlp48mT1Yz
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 8, 2025
Gabriel went 19-of-33 for 190 yards and two touchdowns in last week's 21-17 loss to the Vikings. If he struggles, Sanders would presumably be next in line. But Cleveland isn't rushing it, and Stefanski made it clear he'll take his time deciding how to handle the depth chart behind Gabriel.
