Shedeur Sanders’ struggle during the pre-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams was evident to most. Criticism of Kevin Stefanski for not allowing Sanders to attempt a potential game-winning drive in the final two minutes was highlighted. After replacing Shedeur with Tyler Huntley, fans felt it was a deliberate move. 

“I don’t concern myself with outside types of things, but I’m committed to his development, just like all of our rookies,” Stefanski said late in August 2025.

Shedeur Sanders has been vocal off the field and in media settings, asserting he can outperform some current NFL starters. The Cleveland Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski, offered a blunt statement on the story.

According to Daniel Oyefusi, the Cleveland Browns reporter, “He’s done a good job. I think all our guys feel like they’re ready and they’re working hard,” Stefanski said.

The comment comes amid Cleveland’s locker room, where veteran Joe Flacco currently holds the lead spot and third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel is the primary backup. Last season, Shedeur Sanders completed 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, earning him the title of Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.   

During training camp practices, Sanders reportedly completed 70 % of his throws without an interception across 14 tracked sessions. In the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, he delivered a strong showing: 14-of-23 passing for 138 yards and two touchdowns, with zero interceptions. But in the Rams game, he struggled with 11 dropbacks, five sacks, one fumble, and just three completions.

The Cleveland Brown’s QB3 has waited patiently on the sidelines through the first three weeks of the season. Stefanski noted previously that Shedeur Sanders is “a competitive kid.” Decisions in certain game situations, such as a sideline exchange or a late-game choice of playcaller, shouldn’t be overinterpreted. As a team, the Browns have navigated early turbulence, riding a 1–2 record and uneven offensive metrics.

Sanders eyes opportunity in Browns’ QB room with bold comment

Shedeur Sanders has remained steadfast in his mindset, refusing to let his current status define his preparation. He maintains that every practice rep, scout-team drive, and sideline note is an extension of his calling card. 

“Just because where I am on the depth chart, I don’t let that dictate my mindset every day, because you don’t know what could happen. I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that. Some things happen for a reason, and I’m a true believer in that,” Sanders said, according to CBS Sports. 

Sanders entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick (144th overall) in April 2025. He is yet to see regular-season action and continues to operate behind veteran Joe Flacco. He suggests that many starting quarterbacks around the league are not outpacing his potential.

Cleveland’s offense this year has been middling. Flacco’s early output reads 631 passing yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions on a 61.1% completion rate. The Browns hold a 1-2 record entering Week 4, placing pressure on decision-makers to evaluate alternatives. 

While coach Kevin Stefanski has consistently praised Sanders’ attitude and competitiveness, he has not indicated any immediate shift in the depth chart.