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For a team that is just 2-6 on the season, the Cleveland Browns are certainly drawing a lot of attention, and it’s mainly because Shedeur Sanders is on their roster. The problem is, Sanders isn’t even playing. The Browns have been rolling with Dillon Gabriel over Sanders these last four weeks, and it has not gone very well. Gabriel has struggled mightily, and after trading Joe Flacco, Cleveland no longer has a veteran fallback plan. Read more: Vikings Connected to Major QB Move Amid JJ McCarthy Uncertainty It’s basically either Gabriel or Sanders, and for now, the Browns have chosen the former, regardless of how poorly he has played. ESPN’s Tony Grossi is confounded by Cleveland’s decision to stick with Gabriel and wonders exactly what that says about Sanders. “‘Mystifying’ is the word I would use to describe this whole Sanders year,” Grossi said. “If Sanders still is not better than what we’ve seen out of Gabriel, how bad must that be?” BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Browns selected Gabriel in the third round of the NFL Draft back in April and then nabbed Sanders a couple of rounds later, trading up to acquire him. Sanders was expected by most to be a first-round pick, but he slipped all the way to Round 5, making him the biggest story of the draft. Cleveland entered the season with Flacco starting under center, but the 40-year-old was benched before Week 5, giving way to Gabriel. The fact that Gabriel got a shot before Sanders is not at all surprising, given that he was a higher draft choice, but how much longer will the Browns stay with him? Read more: Patriots’ Monster Trade Proposal Lands 1,200-Yard Weapon for Drake Maye Cleveland has a bye this week and will then face the New York Jets in Week 10. Will the Browns ultimately turn to Sanders for that game? Or will they continue on with Gabriel? Gabriel has thrown for 702 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 59.9 percent of his passes and posting a 78.4 passer rating thus far in 2025. He went 21-for-35 with 156 yards, a couple of touchdowns and a pair of picks in the Browns’ loss to the New England Patriots last Sunday. For more on the Cleveland Browns and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
