There’s no doubt the Cleveland Browns stole the spotlight this preseason with their quarterback competition. In the end, there were no surprises: Joe Flacco will be the starting quarterback, at least to begin the season. Still, much of the attention was generated by the presence of Shedeur Sanders.

At the start of free agency, the Browns traded for Kenny Pickett, signed Joe Flacco, and later drafted two quarterbacks: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. In the end, Kenny Pickett was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, Joe Flacco secured the QB1 spot, Gabriel landed as QB2, and Shedeur Sanders will serve as QB3. Meanwhile, Bailey Zappe was signed to the practice squad.

That’s how the season will begin, but the pressure will be on Joe Flacco. Any dip in performance and fans will be clamoring for a change, since many want to see Shedeur Sanders. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski has already confirmed that Dillon Gabriel will be the primary backup, making him the first option should a switch be needed.

Joe Thomas sends a message to Shedeur Sanders

Unsurprisingly, most fans want to see Shedeur Sanders on the field. His first real opportunity came in a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, where Deion Sanders’ son put on a show with two touchdown passes and an impressive performance.

Even so, Sanders remains the Browns’ last option, especially after Dillon Gabriel shined in the final preseason game, throwing a touchdown in a two-minute drill before halftime-further strengthening Stefanski’s confidence in him.

Dillon Gabriel running the 2 minute drill vs Rams #DawgPound
▫️9/11 for 86 yards 1TD pic.twitter.com/ku4gtXNCfS

— awthentik (@awthentik) August 23, 2025

There has been a lot of talk about a supposed conspiracy against Shedeur Sanders. However, Browns legend and NFL Hall of Famer Joe Thomas believes the team has handled the situation well and recognizes Sanders as an important player for the league.

“He’s excellent for the league, because the league wants attention. They want people to watch their games, they want these big personalities. So there’s no reason-no reason at all-for anyone to conspire against him or try to sabotage him. In fact, it’s the exact opposite: they want to promote a guy like that because he’s so good for the league. It makes no sense otherwise,” Thomas recently said on Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich.

An interesting season lies ahead. Shedeur Sanders earned his spot on the Browns’ 53-man roster, and his goal now will be to seize any opportunity that comes his way during the season-just as he did against the Carolina Panthers in the preseason.