Doubts over Sanders’ role with the Browns
The introduction of Shedeur Sanders to the NFL has not been smooth. The Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback has seen only one preseason game of live action before being moved to the sidelines as the team’s third-string option.
Speculation over Sanders’ role intensified this week after ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo claimed on his show that the rookie was not part of pregame preparations. Rizzo added that Sanders is not even running the scout team, instead “literally watching everyone play.” He said Bailey Zappe has been taking those reps.
Zappe currently runs the scout team, while Shedeur Sanders sits behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel in the quarterback room. While the setup makes it appear that Sanders has little to do, the Browns still view him as a developmental project. The organization showed faith in him when they moved on from Kenny Pickett before the season.
Whether Sanders develops into a reliable starter remains uncertain. What is clear is his continuing popularity following his surprising fall during the 2025 NFL Draft. Once projected to go in the early rounds, Shedeur Sanders instead dropped to No. 144 overall, landing in the fifth round with Cleveland.
Despite his limited playing time, Sanders’ popularity has not suffered. Between March 1 and July 31, his No. 12 Browns jersey ranked as the fifth-best seller in the NFL, according to NFLPA data.
Only Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, and Josh Allen sold more jerseys over that span. Shedeur Sanders was the highest-ranked Browns player on the list. His former Colorado teammate, Travis Hunter of the Jacksonville Jaguars, was the next rookie featured at No. 11.
For now, Sanders remains on the sidelines with questions about when, or if, he will see meaningful NFL snaps. His jersey sales suggest fans are still buying into his potential, but the Cleveland Browns’ approach points to a long-term project rather than immediate contribution.
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