The Cleveland Browns started strong in their first preseason game of the 2025 NFL season by crushing the Carolina Panthers 30-10 on August 8. All eyes were on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who lit up the field in his NFL debut. Fans were excited by his performance on the field.
The 23-year-old showed he has the arm, moves, and cool-headedness to compete at the pro level.
But when the Browns released their unofficial depth chart for their Week 2 preseason clash against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sanders was listed as the fourth-string quarterback. Wait, what?
Browns Stick with Veteran-Led Depth Chart
Sanders was electric against the Panthers, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and tossing two touchdowns without a single interception. He even ran for 19 yards, proving he’s got wheels to match his arm strength and quick decision-making.
With Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel nursing hamstring injuries, Sanders got the start and made the most of it by leading the Browns to a dominant offensive showing. So why is he still slotted behind Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel on the depth chart?
Obviously, the decision raised eyebrows among fans who saw Sanders outshine expectations.
However, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is playing it cool because after the team’s big road win, in the press conference, he said,
“We’re really just focused on developing our players. We’re in evaluation mode. I’m pleased with where the guys are, but I’m not diving into a quarterback competition.”
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This means that experience and recovery status are still king. Keeping Sanders as the No. 4 quarterback might also be a smart move to manage the team’s injury uncertainties. With Pickett and Gabriel working their way back, the Browns aren’t ready to shake up the pecking order just yet.
It’s a safe play to avoid making anyone feel like they’ve been “replaced” and forgotten. Plus, it gives Sanders more chances to pass the ball and show what he’s got. Additionally, Stefanski also hinted at big things to come, saying Sanders will get “a ton” of reps against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.
According to ESPN reports, the Browns plan to carry all four quarterbacks for now, but a trade could occur before training camp starts. In contrast, Sanders stayed focused on growing and ignoring the drama about the depth chart.
He said after the game,
“I feel like today I did some good some bad and I know moving forward I won’t make the same mistakes twice.”
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That’s the kind of mindset that could turn heads. With more preseason action on the way, Sanders has a great chance to impress the Browns’ coaches and influence their lineup with upcoming preseason games. If he keeps playing like he did in his debut, it’s only a matter of time before he climbs that depth chart or establishes his spot on the roster, no matter where he sits.
