When the Cleveland Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, many believed they had landed a long-term answer at quarterback. Months later, however, the narrative surrounding the rookie has shifted dramatically.
One respected team insider explained why fans shouldn’t expect to see him under center anytime soon, sharply contrasting the initial draft-day optimism.
Why Is Shedeur Sanders Further From Playing Than Fans Think?
During an appearance on “92.3 The Fan” with hosts Ken Carman and Anthony Lima, Browns analyst Zac Jackson offered a stark assessment of Shedeur Sanders’ situation in Cleveland. When asked whether the team might as well “get to Sanders, whether he’s ready or not,” Jackson did not hesitate to push back on the idea.
🏈”Kevin just said last week they’re not giving (Shedeur) reps. They’re telling us that he’s not ready and he’s not in the plans. To all the Shedeur people, what chance do you think he has with this offense?”
📞@AkronJackson on Shedeur Sanders pic.twitter.com/NzdJbw9mrW
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 29, 2025
“No, because I know it’s not that easy,” Jackson said, emphasizing that the Browns’ handling of their quarterbacks has been more complex than outsiders realize. He also noted that, regardless of outside expectations, the Browns have made it clear through their actions that Sanders is not ready and is not currently part of their immediate plans.
This situation developed after Sanders, who was once projected as a top-five pick after throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns at Colorado, saw his draft stock plummet to the fifth round. The Browns took a chance, selecting him 144th overall after trading up. However, a lack of opportunity and difficult circumstances has slowed Jackson’s development.
Jackson pointed out that the Browns held a quarterback competition involving several players during the summer, but Sanders did not receive any practice reps throughout August. Even now, head coach Kevin Stefanski has publicly confirmed that Sanders remains without practice snaps during the week, a clear signal of his standing.
“He’s the backup quarterback of the team, and we’re not giving him any reps in practice, not three, over the course of three practices during the week,” Jackson quoted Stefanski as saying. That statement, Jackson argued, reveals where the organization truly stands on the rookie’s progress.
The Browns’ quarterback room is crowded but unsettled. With rookie Dillon Gabriel starting and Deshaun Watson recovering from injury, Sanders is expected to remain a developmental option for the foreseeable future. Jackson believes that even if the offense falters, inserting Sanders prematurely would set him up for failure.
MORE: Ex-Browns HC Boldly Claims Cleveland Should Not Start Shedeur Sanders Over Dillon Gabriel
He noted that the offense cannot help a young passer succeed, asking rhetorically, “What chance do you think he has with this offense? If the Browns acquired Drake Maye next Tuesday, what chance would he have?”
Jackson’s comments paint a picture of a franchise unwilling to rush its young prospect, even as fans grow impatient. While Sanders’ college resume and polish once made him appear NFL-ready, the Browns’ actions and Jackson’s insight suggest the team is playing a long game with his development.
For now, it seems the former Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year must wait for his opportunity. As Jackson concluded, the team is “telling you that he’s not ready,” a powerful reminder that promise and preparation do not always align on an NFL timeline.
