Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders put on quite a show in the team’s 2025 NFL preseason opener, leading the Browns to a 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Sanders was 14-of-23 passing for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
The performance raised the eyebrows of Browns observers and put Sanders in a prime position to be considered in the ongoing quarterback battle. In addition to Sanders, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Tyler Huntley are in contention for spots.
Where Does Shedeur Sanders Rank on Browns’ QB Chart?
After Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff reviewed game film from the win over Carolina, an updated quarterback depth chart was released on Monday. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Sanders is listed No. 4 among the quarterbacks.
On Cleveland’s second depth chart of the summer, here is how the Browns are listing their quarterbacks this week:
🏈1. Joe Flacco
🏈2. Kenny Pickett
🏈3. Dillon Gabriel
🏈4. Shedeur Sanders— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2025
Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel are listed ahead of Sanders. Huntley came into the game after Sanders left, going 6-for-8 passing for 51 yards and one touchdown pass. The Browns have been struggling to find a solution at quarterback for some time.
Cleveland is still on the hook for Deshaun Watson’s big contract. He’s still out of action due to an injury, so he will not be among the players competing for a roster spot.
Shedeur Sanders’ Quest for Active Roster Recognition
Sanders has had to work hard to get recognized by the Browns’ coaching staff. Cleveland drafted him in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, even though they already had a stacked quarterback room.
Reports indicated that Sanders was working with third-teamers and even throwing passes in practice to the Browns’ equipment personnel. While Sanders was playing, his father, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, was quite active on X. Deion made a few posts, letting the world know how proud he was of his son’s efforts.
Now that Shedeur is listed No. 4 on the depth chart, Cleveland fans might wonder what it will take for him to secure a roster spot. There’s always a chance Shedeur ends up on the Browns’ practice squad. Yet his play in the Browns’ preseason opener opened some eyes to his playing abilities.
