The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has become even murkier following Joe Flacco’s surprising trade to the Cincinnati Bengals. With one veteran gone and another still sidelined, attention has quickly shifted to rookie Shedeur Sanders, whose future with the Browns now hangs in the balance.
Ryan Clark Questions Stefanski’s Handling of Shedeur Sanders
The Browns’ decision to trade Joe Flacco just a week after benching him for Dillon Gabriel appeared to open a path for Shedeur Sanders to step up as the backup quarterback. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to confirm Sanders in that role, and that uncertainty has drawn sharp criticism from former NFL safety and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark.
Clark made his feelings clear during First Take, saying that the Browns should only keep Sanders if he is named as the team’s No. 2 quarterback. “If [Shedeur Sanders] is not named the backup quarterback, it’s time to part ways. … Too much comes with him if you don’t see that sort of plan for him,” Clark said on Thursday’s show.
“If [Shedeur Sanders] is not named the backup quarterback, it’s time to part ways. … Too much comes with him if you don’t see that sort of plan for him.”@Realrclark25 shares his thoughts on Kevin Stefanski and the Browns ✍️ pic.twitter.com/7nMuuh5Tug
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 9, 2025
Clark’s frustration stems from what he perceives as Stefanski’s lack of commitment to Sanders’ development. Clark suggested that Stefanski never seemed fully on board with selecting Sanders and has since struggled to manage his presence within the team.
The ESPN analyst argued that the Browns’ current approach suggests uncertainty about their long-term vision for Sanders.
Stefanski Urges Patience as Decision Looms
While the outside noise grows, Stefanski has insisted that his decision-making will center on what is best for both the players and the team. “All roster type of things, I always have to be mindful of our players and our players’ development,” Stefanski said, as quoted by the Browns media.
“With young players, I’m always thinking about their development. So, I’ll let the week play out [and] make a decision later.”
For now, the backup role remains a contest between Sanders and recently added quarterback Bailey Zappe. Sanders, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has yet to play a competitive NFL snap and continues to develop behind Gabriel. Many analysts believe patience will be key for the young quarterback’s progression.
Could Deshaun Watson Complicate Matters Further?
Adding another twist, Sports Illustrated reported that Deshaun Watson could reenter the picture once he recovers from his Achilles injury, which might happen as early as late October.
If Watson is reinstated, the Browns’ quarterback depth chart could again shift, further clouding Sanders’ immediate future.
For Clark, though, the message remains firm: if Sanders isn’t named QB2, it’s time for the Browns to move on. Anything less, he argues, would prove that the Browns have no clear developmental plan for the rookie passer.
