Browns Fans CELEBRATE As Shedeur Sanders Gets PROMOTED To QB2 After Pickett Trade!

Summary

The Cleveland Browns made a bold move by trading quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders and releasing Tyler Huntley, clearing the way for rookies Dylan Gabriel and Shadur Sanders behind veteran Joe Flacco. While Gabriel takes the backup QB2 role, the real story is Sanders’ potential rise. Despite a tough preseason showing, the Browns kept him as the third-string quarterback, setting him up for future success. This strategic move could give Sanders the time to develop and ultimately become the franchise’s future leader, potentially turning a rough start into a Hall of Fame-worthy career.

Takeaways

• 🏈 The Cleveland Browns traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick, clearing QB depth space.
• 🟢 The Browns will enter the regular season with three quarterbacks: starter Joe Flacco, rookie Dylan Gabriel as QB2, and Shadur Sanders as QB3/emergency quarterback.
• 📉 Shadur Sanders struggled in his preseason finale against the Rams, completing only 3 of 6 passes and being sacked five times.
• 📝 Despite criticism and media narratives suggesting sabotage, the Browns kept Sanders on the roster, showing confidence in his long-term potential.
• 🤔 Analysts debated Kevin Stefanski's handling of Sanders, with some saying limiting reps was developmental, not sabotage.
• ♟️ Sanders’ QB3 role is strategic, allowing him to learn the system, prepare without pressure, and step in when opportunity arises.
• 🚀 Dylan Gabriel, as the main backup, will face intense scrutiny, while Sanders develops quietly behind the scenes.
• 💡 Sanders showed improvement in another preseason game against Carolina, displaying skills that initially made him a high draft prospect.
• 🎯 The Browns’ moves position Sanders for a future starting role, giving him the chance to prove his talent when Flacco or Gabriel falter.
• 🌟 Sanders remains confident in making the 53-man roster and aims to eventually change the franchise, leveraging both talent and preparation.
• 📊 Analysts highlight that the current setup may be ideal for Sanders’ growth, balancing pressure, opportunity, and learning from veterans.

Q & A

Who are the quarterbacks on the Cleveland Browns' final 53-man roster?

The Cleveland Browns' final 53-man roster includes Joe Flacco as the starter, Dylan Gabriel as QB2, and Shadur Sanders as QB3.

What recent roster moves did the Browns make regarding their quarterbacks?

The Browns traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders and released Tyler Huntley, leaving them with Joe Flacco, Dylan Gabriel, and Shadur Sanders as their quarterbacks.

How did Shadur Sanders perform in the preseason finale against the Rams?

Shadur Sanders completed 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards, was sacked five times, and led the Browns to only one first down in five series under center.

Why is Shadur Sanders' position as QB3 considered a strategic opportunity rather than a demotion?

Being QB3 allows Sanders to learn the offense under Joe Flacco, reduce immediate pressure, and prepare for future playing opportunities, giving him time to develop without expectations of instant success.

What criticism did analysts have about Kevin Stefanski regarding Sanders?

Some critics argued that Stefanski sabotaged Sanders by not allowing him to finish the game, but commentators like Dan Orlovsky and Ryan Clark defended Stefanski, emphasizing player development and fairness in football.

How could future injuries or performance issues impact Shadur Sanders' playing time?

If Joe Flacco or Dylan Gabriel gets injured or struggles during the season, Sanders could step in and potentially demonstrate his capabilities, accelerating his path to becoming a starter.

What long-term potential does Shadur Sanders have according to the transcript?

Sanders is seen as a potential franchise quarterback who can change the Browns' trajectory, with the talent, mindset, and preparation to succeed when given the opportunity.

Why did the trade of Kenny Pickett help Shadur Sanders' development?

Trading Pickett cleared the roster of a veteran competitor, allowing Sanders to occupy the QB3 spot and focus on growth without being overshadowed by another quarterback.

What key lesson about media perception versus team strategy does the transcript highlight?

The transcript illustrates that media often focuses on immediate results, while teams may prioritize long-term player development and strategic positioning, as seen with Sanders' QB3 role.

How did Shadur Sanders respond to criticism about his preseason struggles?

Sanders expressed confidence in making the Browns' 53-man roster and emphasized his long-term goal of becoming a player capable of changing a franchise, showing resilience and determination.

What comparison is made between Dylan Gabriel and Shadur Sanders in terms of pressure?

Gabriel, as QB2, faces immediate pressure with mistakes magnified, while Sanders, as QB3, has time to learn and develop, positioning him for a more prepared and impactful opportunity later.

How did analysts like Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Clark differ in their evaluation of Sanders?

Stephen A. Smith focused on Sanders' poor preseason performance, while Ryan Clark acknowledged the performance issues but emphasized that development and preparation for future opportunities were key considerations.