The Cleveland Browns have officially stated that Shedeur Sanders will get his first start on Friday, when the team takes on the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 of preseason. Sanders has a huge shot to separate himself in the four-way quarterback battle, should he put together an incredible performance.
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The Browns’ quarterback situation took a tragic turn when it was revealed that both Kenny Pickett and rookie Dillon Gabriel are dealing with hamstring injuries. With both quarterbacks out, the team brought in Tyler Huntley.
Joe Flacco is also on the team, but he is a lock for the starting position and won’t be playing in preseason just yet.
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Sanders will now lead the offense and can make a strong case for him to not only be QB2, but to potentially be the starter. That said, the rookie has received huge praise from All-Pro teammate Myles Garrett.
“He’s funny. He’s optimistic. He’s light-hearted. But he works hard, he takes it seriously. His craft, and he is watching what the others are doing. He’s doing it his own way and which only he can. Looking forward to seeing him in these preseason games and seeing how he is managing the offense,” Garrett stated.
Garrett indicated that all the quarterbacks have looked good, as has Sanders. Again, Friday is a huge opportunity for the young rookie to establish himself as a strong passer and one who can lead this Browns team.
Sanders was pegged to be a first-round pick when the 2025 NFL Draft came around, but he continued to plummet all the way to the fifth round. The Browns came in to draft the young passer, but the team had also taken Gabriel in the third.
Cleveland has a strange quarterback room going, but they might also be banking on the idea of taking in four quarterbacks and seeing how things shake out. Then again, maybe Sanders does a good job starting, and the Browns can then use that as an opportunity to trade him.
Also, Pickett and Gabriel could be trade chips should Sanders showcase elite skills in his starts. There are a multitude of options that the Browns can explore, but that all starts when Sanders takes position under center.
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