Preseason Debut: Browns Starting Shedeur Sanders at QB—Is He the Future?

By Jason Bolton August 08, 2025 09:59

The Cleveland Browns have made headlines by naming rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders as the starter for their 2025 preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. This decision comes amid injuries to key quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, as well as Joe Flacco resting for the game, offering Sanders an invaluable opportunity to showcase his potential and stake a claim for a future role with the franchise.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders entered the Browns’ training camp listed as the fourth-string quarterback behind veteran Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel. Despite limited first-team reps during camp primarily working with the second- and third-team offenses Sanders will make his first appearance running the starting offense in a live game environment, marking a critical moment in his rookie season.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to name a permanent starter, with Flacco still the presumed favorite for the regular season opener. Nevertheless, the decision to start Sanders in the preseason opener reflects the Browns’ intention to evaluate the rookie’s readiness and possibly accelerate his development amid roster uncertainty caused by injuries. Sanders has embraced this challenge quietly and professionally, aiming to improve steadily rather than seek immediate attention. He recently explained his reluctance to have his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, attend practices, stating, "I just want everything that I'm doing to be focused on this time, and I don't want distractions".

Joe Flacco, who is competing for the starting role himself, expressed empathy and encouragement for Sanders as he prepares for this big moment. Reflecting on his own NFL preseason debut in 2008, Flacco noted that it’s a special phase for any rookie, and he anticipates a mixture of excitement and nerves for Sanders as he takes the reins for Cleveland’s offense in the preseason context.

Statistically, Sanders is still a developing prospect without NFL regular-season experience, but his college career at Colorado highlighted his mobility, strong arm, and poise under pressure. The Browns are keen to see if he can translate those traits to the pro level. His ability to rise up the depth chart depends not only on his performance but also on sidelining injuries to other quarterbacks; both Pickett and Gabriel recently dealt with hamstring issues, leading the Browns to add veteran Tyler Huntley to bolster their QB room.

The Browns’ quarterback situation remains fluid, with Flacco holding the inside track given his experience and leadership, but Sanders’ preseason start offers a glimpse into the team’s willingness to invest in youth for the future. Analysts note that while Sanders faces long odds to unseat veterans initially, a strong preseason showing could significantly alter the Browns’ depth chart dynamics.

In summary, Shedeur Sanders’ preseason debut as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback presents a pivotal moment for a promising rookie. His performance in the preseason opener against the Panthers will be closely scrutinized by coaches, teammates, and fans eager to see if he can be the franchise’s quarterback of the future. With solid practice performances behind him and a professional mindset, Sanders is poised to take advantage of this rare early-career opportunity.