Browns stick to four quarterbacks

Shedeur Sanders stays fourth on Cleveland's depth chart despite a strong preseason debut.

Sanders remains fourth on Browns depth chart after preseason showing

In Friday's preseason game against the Panthers, Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, plus four carries for 19 yards. Cleveland lists Joe Flacco as the starter, with Kenny Pickett injured, Dillon Gabriel as the third option and Sanders as the fourth. Sanders only began taking first‑team reps because Pickett and Gabriel were out and Flacco did not play due to age and experience. Training camp depth charts are fluid and can change quickly. The Browns are widely seen as keeping four quarterbacks this season, a plan ESPN has previously reported and one that aligns with Cleveland drafting Gabriel ahead of Sanders.

The team is balancing development with status on the field. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that the focus remains on evaluation and player growth, not a quarterback competition. Sanders said he learned from his debut and expects more work this Saturday against the Eagles as he continues to prove himself in practice and games. The question remains whether Sanders will climb the depth chart or remain a fourth option while the veteran and the injured bevy of quarterbacks provide stability for Week 1.

Cleveland is signaling patience with its rookie despite a promising preseason showing. The depth chart order reflects a conservative approach tied to injury status and veteran leadership, not a sudden shift in belief about Sanders. That stance may test fans who crave a fast track for the young passer, but it aligns with a common NFL strategy: protect development time and let reps come with the schedule.

Carrying four quarterbacks offers roster flexibility but also risk. If Sanders continues to perform, the Browns may eventually reallocate snaps or trade a quarterback to sharpen other positions. For now, the message is clear: growth over urgency, preparation over hype, and a coaching staff that prefers measured progress to dramatic shifts.

Highlights

The path from preseason promise to Week 1 certainty will unfold in the next few weeks.