The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback pecking order became a talking point this week, and the debate sharpened when a local analyst publicly questioned how head coach Kevin Stefanski handled Shedeur Sanders’ place in the rotation.
NFL Analyst Sounds Off On Shedeur Sanders’ Roster Spot
NFL analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Bryant McFadden, challenged the initial decision not to name Sanders as the QB2 after Joe Flacco’s trade, arguing the rookie should have been elevated on the depth chart.
“What are the Browns doing? Come on, Cleveland. It’s annoying. This is annoying. Did something happen with Shedeur that they feel like he needs to be demoted? How can you get demoted when you haven’t played?” McFadden said. He delivered the critique on 92.3 The Fan with hosts Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin, reflecting fan frustration over the uncertainty early in the week.
“What are the Browns doing? Come on, Cleveland. It’s annoying. This is annoying. Did something happen with Shedeur where they feel like he needs to be demoted? How can you get demoted when you haven’t played?”
🚨@BMac_SportsTalk w/ @NickWilsonSays and @JPeterlin on #Browns QB2🏈 https://t.co/UD0AraGpGk pic.twitter.com/rPuZESWgW8
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 8, 2025
By Friday, the team clarified the immediate plan for Pittsburgh with Dillon Gabriel set to start as QB1 for Cleveland. “Kevin Stefanski says Shedeur Sanders will be the backup QB for Cleveland’s game against the Steelers,” as per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
That announcement sets the Week 6 designations while keeping the longer-term evaluation open as Cleveland continues to determine the depth behind their starter. However, Stefanski also noted that he will allow Bailey Zappe and Sanders to compete before naming an official QB2.
Zappe was recently added to the practice squad. However, Stefanski didn’t say whether they would elevate the NFL journeyman to the active roster ahead of the game in Pittsburgh.
Kevin Stefanski Explains Browns’ Process
Stefanski defended the approach and timing, emphasizing player development and readiness. “All roster type of things, I always have to be mindful of our players and our players’ development,” Stefanski said.
“And I want to make sure that I’m always doing what’s best for our players and, of course, our team. But with young players, I’m always thinking about last week, making the change to Dillon, you have to think long and hard about that, because these are young players that you are so invested in their development. So, I’ll let the week play out and make a decision later,” he added.
Asked what he needs to see from Sanders, Stefanski kept the focus broad. “I wouldn’t say there’s one thing you need to see [from Sanders],” he said. “In my role, I have to do what’s best for our players, our team, and I’m very, very invested in our player development, our young players’ development, our quarterback development. So, any decision I make, I want to just make sure that I’m doing what’s right for our players.”
Stefanski’s early-week comments signaled caution, noting that the staff would evaluate through practice before setting the chart for Sunday. The Friday designation moves Sanders to QB2 and locks Gabriel as the starter for the Steelers game, aligning the depth chart with the club’s development framework and putting an end to speculation for Week 6, if not the future.
This decision enables the staff to evaluate their two rookies more effectively. The Browns desperately need a win at QB since PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric has currently graded their offense an F. Stefanski said he will continue to monitor practice and performance on a week-to-week basis, but the immediate order is in place.
Sanders is not good, he tries to win the game every drop back. He epitomizes hero ball. I’m looking forward to him getting some playing time, so all his father’s azzkizzers in the media will finally STFU. The bias is ridiculous and unwatchable for an effing 5th rounder. His father is the orange turd of cfb. He mouths off to everyone that has anything negative to say, so they end up kissing his rear end for some reason…just like the orange ahole.