Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns’ third-string quarterback, has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. The former Colorado star, whose name alone draws media attention, has once again found himself at the center of NFL debate after candidly declaring he’s ready to play—and could outperform some of the league’s current starters. His recent comments, made during an ESPN Cleveland interview on September 25, 2025, have sparked both intrigue and controversy across the football world.
“I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” Sanders asserted. “It’s obvious a lot of teams would be playing me, but that’s not in God’s plan right now. And some things happen for a reason and I’m a true believer in that. And whatever his plan for me is I believe in it. So I don’t be stressed or feel bad that I’m in the situation I’m in right now. It’s just funny to me and I just enjoy it.” (ESPN Cleveland)
It’s a bold statement from a rookie who, despite a high-profile college career, has yet to take a regular-season NFL snap. Sanders, picked by Cleveland in the fifth round (No. 144 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, currently sits behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel on the Browns’ depth chart. Yet, his confidence remains unshaken—even as he spends most of his weeks running the scout team and serving as the team’s emergency third quarterback, usually inactive on game days.
Sanders’ journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Once projected as a potential top-five pick, he slipped to Day 3 of the draft following concerns about his media presence and perceived distractions. NFL teams, wary of the attention that comes with the Sanders name, passed him over in favor of less polarizing prospects. As one commentator put it, “How many third-string quarterbacks are getting interviewed in the locker room multiple times every week? That’s a rhetorical question, but the answer is one in case anyone didn’t get it.” (Article 2)
Despite the draft-day slide, Sanders has embraced his role in Cleveland with a mix of gratitude and ambition. “It’s fun going out there and competing every day,” he told ESPN last week. “I’m thankful for my situation. I’m thankful I’m able to see ball in a different light and to be able to get a different perspective than I have and I’m able to grow mentally, physically, emotionally, everything, to become my best self.”
His path to the NFL was shaped by both his college performance and off-field decisions. Sanders starred at Jackson State and Colorado under the guidance of his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. After a standout college career, he entered the NFL with high expectations. However, his draft process included a notable twist: the Baltimore Ravens, picking at No. 141, reportedly intended to select Sanders, but his camp made it clear he didn’t want to back up Lamar Jackson. Deion Sanders confirmed this on the “New Heights” podcast, explaining, “How in the world can somebody fault him for saying or thinking, ‘Why in the world would I go back up Lamar for 10 more years?’ I’ve never sat on the bench and said, ‘Well, I learned a lot today.’”
The Browns, sensing an opportunity, traded up to secure Sanders at No. 144. He joined a quarterback room that included Flacco, Gabriel (a third-round pick), and, until late August, Kenny Pickett—who was dealt to the Raiders ahead of the roster cutdown. Training camp featured a four-way competition, but Sanders never received the starting reps given to Flacco, Gabriel, or Pickett. Instead, his preseason was highlighted by a two-touchdown performance in a win against the Carolina Panthers, followed by a rough outing versus the Rams where he was sacked five times.
Since then, Sanders has thrown himself into his scout team role, treating every practice as a chance to improve and showcase his readiness. “Anytime you’re throwing the ball, there’s only so many ways you can get to different spots,” he explained. “I just enjoy it and like I say, that’s my game day. Being able to go out there and go against the ones because I’m not out there to be mid. I’m out there giving a real look. They have the luxury of having an NFL QB in practice every day and great receivers and honestly, the whole practice squad, scout team, could possibly be starters somewhere. So, definitely thankful, for real.”
On Sundays, Sanders dons his uniform as the inactive emergency quarterback, listening to playcalls through an earpiece and soaking up knowledge from the sideline. He often chats with teammates, including Deshaun Watson, who is currently rehabbing an Achilles injury. The learning process is ongoing, with Sanders and Gabriel—both longtime college starters—now adapting to limited reps and increased competition at the professional level. General manager Andrew Berry likened the transition to “someone who is fluent in English and now you have to learn Mandarin.”
Yet, Sanders is not content with his current status. “I’m not comfortable being a scout team player, honestly. That’s my situation, so I’m going to make the best of it and enjoy my moments,” he admitted. “This isn’t my end goal. I’m just enjoying myself, learning and doing everything I have to do. Just ready for my opportunity.”
With the Browns sitting at 1-2, their offense has struggled mightily under Flacco. The veteran ranks last in the NFL in passer rating (65.9), with just two touchdowns and four interceptions. Cleveland’s recent 13-10 upset of the Green Bay Packers was powered by defense, not offensive fireworks. The team’s scoring offense sits at 30th in the league, and calls for change are growing louder. Still, head coach Kevin Stefanski has shown no signs of abandoning Flacco just yet, responding to questions about giving Gabriel more opportunities with, “That’s not really my focus.”
Should the Browns make a move at quarterback, Gabriel is widely expected to be the first up—a result of his higher draft status and the team’s stated preference. But if Gabriel fails to impress, Sanders could finally get his shot. As one analysis put it, “If Gabriel isn’t above-average, you would think the Browns would want to give Sanders an opportunity so they know for sure whether they need to target another quarterback in the 2026 draft class.”
For now, Sanders remains focused on preparation and patience. “I focus on each and every day and what I got to do. Just because where I am on a depth chart, don’t let that dictate my mindset each and every day because you don’t know what happens or what could happen,” he said. “It’s keeping a mindset of staying locked in and staying into everything, and remaining focused on the main thing.”
As the Browns prepare to face the Detroit Lions in Week 4, the quarterback situation remains a hot topic. Sanders’ confidence and readiness are clear, but his opportunity may still be a ways off—unless fate, or the Browns’ struggling offense, intervenes. For now, Cleveland fans and NFL watchers alike will keep an eye on the sideline, wondering when, or if, Shedeur Sanders will finally get his chance to prove his words right.
