The Cleveland Browns have made a quarterback switch after a rough 1-3 start, benching Joe Flacco for rookie Dillon Gabriel. But Shedeur Sanders, once seen as a rising star, remains stuck at QB3. An insider’s sharp comment on Sanders’ status adds fuel to the fire.

On The Dan Patrick Show, the host asked if rookie Gabriel was ready to start against the Vikings. The insider said Gabriel might take over eventually, but for now, Flacco remains the most reliable option for the Browns, especially given the challenges in their schedule. He also dismissed Sanders as not ready to start.

“Eventually, but Joe Flacco still gives the Browns the best chance to win right now. The schedule’s been brutal, but eases up after a trip to Pittsburgh. And then my source follows up by saying, I know a quarterback who isn’t ready to start. Uh, the Shedeur Sanders clickbait continues,” he said.

With Joe Flacco benched, it’s clear the Browns are turning to Gabriel. Sanders, however, remains third on the depth chart and hasn’t moved up since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In preseason action, he completed 17 of 29 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns.

Sanders believed he was ready to compete for the starting role, especially after his strong showing in Week 1 of the preseason. He started against the Carolina Panthers, playing the majority of snaps and completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-10 win.

Despite that performance, the Browns have kept him in a backup role, a decision that’s likely disappointing for the young quarterback.

The change comes amid growing frustration with Flacco’s play, six interceptions, two lost fumbles, and just 815 passing yards with a 58% completion rate have dragged the offense to the bottom of the league.

Gabriel, who saw limited action late in last week’s blowout loss, is now expected to make his first NFL start against the Minnesota Vikings in London.

Shedeur Sanders responds as the Browns pick Gabriel over Sanders

The quarterback drama in Cleveland isn’t just about Joe Flacco’s potential benching, it’s also about Shedeur Sanders losing his chance to ascend the depth chart. The 23-year-old reportedly turned down a chance to be drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, thinking it would be too difficult to replace Lamar Jackson.

Ironically, with Jackson now injured, Sanders might’ve had a real opportunity there.

Instead, he remains the QB3 for the Browns, watching Dillon Gabriel take his first step toward becoming Cleveland’s potential franchise quarterback following the team’s Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions.

While Sanders has not offered an extensive public statement about the demotion, he did share a cryptic Instagram post shortly after the news broke. The post featured a photo of himself alongside rookie running back Quinshon Judkins with a simple, two-word caption: “Cotton Candy.” 

Fans and media have speculated that the post was a subtle jab, possibly suggesting Gabriel is all flash, no substance. Regardless, Gabriel is set to make his first NFL start this week against the Vikings.