Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns’ promising rookie quarterback, may find himself under center sooner than anticipated if the team struggles at the outset of the 2025 season, according to a three-time Super Bowl winner.
Known for his role in the New England Patriots dynasty, Je’Rod Cherry believes Sanders has the potential to step in if Joe Flacco, widely tipped to be the Week 1 starter, falters.
“I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if his name is called if things go south to start the season,” Cherry told TMZ Sports of Sanders, who passed for 138 yards and two touchdowns on his Browns debut against the Carolina Panthers.
Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes and also added 19 rushing yards proving that he can hustle when he needs to, shrugging off questions of his talent raised during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Although he’s still listed as fourth on the depth chart, the tide could be turning in his favor, but Cherry believes there is still a lot more work to be done before Kevin Stefanski promotes him to starter.
“It’s still veteran Joe Flacco‘s job to lose in his second stint with the Browns,” Je’Rod, now working as a radio analyst, added. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he [Sanders] actually gets under center at some point.
“But that’s how things usually go in northeast Ohio – at least 2-3 guys get the opportunity for one reason or another.”
The Browns will open Week 1 with a clash against the Cincinnati Bengals on home turf on September 7, with all Flacco, Sanders, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Ty Huntley trying to land the starter spot.
Gabriel clears up comments after perceived Shedeur Sanders dig
Gabriel, another rookie quarterback on the Browns’ roster, has drawn attention in the 2025 preseason as he competes for playing time but also for his comments during a half-time break.
The incident happened at a recent Cleveland preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, he addressed questions about handling external pressure, emphasizing his focus on competition over distractions.
“There are entertainers and there are competitors and I totally understand that,” Gabriel said, a comment many took as a subtle shot at his teammate, Sanders, before he clarifying that his comment referred to media personnel.
“First off, I am all about our team, you know what I mean,” Gabriel said. “And each other. I would never make that [comment about Sanders].
“Entertainers are you all. A competitor, that’s what I am along with all my teammates. We both have jobs to do. That’s it.”
Gabriel missed the Browns’ first preseason game due to a hamstring injury but got on the field against the Eagles as he completed 13 passes for 143 yards and no touchdowns, whilst Huntley added 71 yards on 10 completions.
