Shedeur Sanders, the talented rookie backup quarterback for the Browns, is drawing national attention in Cleveland, but not all of it is positive.
Following a 41-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, NFL analyst Skip Bayless didn’t hold back in his latest commentary, calling out Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski for what he perceives as another disrespectful move toward Sanders.
Analyst Skip Bayless Criticizes Kevin Stefanski’s QB Decision
Bayless highlighted Cleveland’s recent roster moves, noting that the Browns re-signed a player they had previously cut, Bailey Zappe, rather than fully committing to Shedeur Sanders.
“They did that to Shedeur Sanders. They went and signed Bailey Zappe because I promise you Kevin Stefanski… didn’t Baker Mayfield, didn’t Shedeur with Bailey Zappe,” Bayless stated.
🔥 Shedeur. The Browns Sign Zappe. Screw #12 Again. Skip Explains
“They re-signed QB Zappe. Stefanski has no use for #12. He values Zappe over Shedeur. Shedeur is still stuck in hell. It just makes me sick” https://t.co/GZKd8YAOWq pic.twitter.com/38ScDdSnMZ
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) September 20, 2025
The decision reflects growing whispers of trade speculation surrounding Sanders, despite his rookie status and potential in the NFL. Coming out of another disappointing loss, Cleveland’s offensive line has struggled, leaving quarterback Justin Flacco under constant pressure.
While Sanders’ time in Cleveland hasn’t officially arrived, analysts and fans alike are watching closely to see if Stefanski will commit to the young quarterback or continue to make moves that seem to undercut him.
Deion Sanders’ Influence and History
Bayless’s criticism carries extra weight given his long-standing relationship with Deion Sanders. Their connection dates back to the 1990s in Dallas, where both men made names for themselves: Deion as a two-sport professional athlete and Bayless as a rising sports commentator.
That shared history brings insight and credibility to Bayless’s commentary, especially regarding the perceived treatment of Sanders’s son.
Shedeur Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round (144th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. During his college career at Colorado, he played 50 games over four seasons, completing 353 passes for 14,353 yards, 134 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions.
In his senior season, he started all 13 games, completing for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, adding four rushing touchdowns.
Kevin Stefanski’s Coaching Record
Kevin Stefanski became Cleveland’s 18th full-time head coach in 2020 and has since led the Browns to two postseason appearances and two 11-win seasons. Stefanski is also a two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award winner, earning honors in 2020 and 2023.
Despite Stefanski’s credentials, the decision to favor a veteran like Bailey Zappe over Shedeur Sanders has sparked debate among analysts and fans alike. His comment that Sanders is “stuck in hell” highlights growing frustration over the quarterback’s situation in Cleveland, suggesting that the rookie’s path to success may be unnecessarily complicated.
As the season continues, all eyes will be on Shedeur Sanders, the Browns’ management, and Kevin Stefanski’s next moves. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Sanders gets the opportunity to shine or if roster decisions continue to fuel criticism and controversy.
This weekend, the Browns host the NFC North-leading Green Bay Packers. The game is set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on local FOX stations.
