Cleveland, OH – Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made a striking impression in his NFL preseason debut for the Cleveland Browns, throwing two touchdown passes and demonstrating poise beyond his years during Friday night’s win over the Carolina Panthers. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and added 23 rushing yards over nearly three quarters of play, solidifying his place in a crowded Browns quarterback room and prompting head coach Kevin Stefanski to discuss his role moving forward.
Selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 144th pick, Sanders was initially the fourth option on the depth chart behind Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett. However, due to injuries to Pickett and Gabriel, and Flacco being rested, Sanders was handed the starting nod for the preseason opener. Taking the field against a defense featuring Carolina’s starting players, Sanders showcased a calm and collected demeanor, threading accurate passes and keeping his eyes downfield consistently—a trait that impressed many observers.
Sanders struck first with a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kaden Davis early in the second quarter, threading the ball into a tight window in the back corner of the end zone after the Browns recovered a muffed punt in Carolina’s red zone. Later in the half, he connected again with Davis for a 12-yard touchdown, further establishing confidence in his ability to perform in scoring situations.
In total, Sanders showed a blend of traditional pocket passing and scrambling ability, helping the Browns extend drives and maintain offensive rhythm. “He’s exhibited the kind of composure and vision we look for in a quarterback,” Stefanski said postgame. “We’re going to continue giving him meaningful snaps so he can build on this strong start.” According to reports, Stefanski intends to increase Sanders’ repetitions with the starters as the preseason progresses.
Despite this bright start, critique remains around Sanders’ arm strength and occasional tendency to hold onto the ball longer than ideal. Yet, the rookie’s resilience and no-quit mentality have won praise from coaching staff and fans alike, differentiating him from other quarterbacks on the roster.
The Browns currently list six quarterbacks on their roster, with veteran Joe Flacco expected to start the regular season barring injury, and Deshaun Watson sidelined with a torn Achilles. Rookie Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett are both rehabbing hamstring injuries, which has opened the door for Sanders to stake an early claim.
On social media and in interviews, Sanders has addressed critics head-on, notably confronting a reporter after the game over what he felt was unfair negative coverage. His outspoken confidence highlights the pressure and expectations surrounding his high-profile entry into the league.
With the Browns preparing to face the Philadelphia Eagles in their next preseason game, Stefanski has confirmed that Sanders will see considerable snaps, underscoring the team’s interest in evaluating his potential as they shape the quarterback depth chart for the 2025 NFL season.
The early buzz surrounding Shedeur Sanders suggests he could be a valuable asset for Cleveland, providing mobility and clutch playmaking, while also carrying the legacy of his iconic football lineage. Whether this translates into a long-term starting opportunity remains to be seen, but his first preseason outing was a promising step forward for the rookie signal-caller.