The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has been a rollercoaster, and the ride isn’t over. After trading veteran Joe Flacco, the question now is: how soon will we see Shedeur Sanders or Bailey Zappe take the field? The Browns’ decision to move on from Flacco, just weeks after benching him, signals a potential shift towards their younger quarterbacks. With Dillon Gabriel currently holding the starting position, the spotlight turns to Sanders and Zappe as potential backups ready to seize their opportunity. FYM News delves into the Browns’ quarterback conundrum.
The Browns’ quarterback carousel has been a constant source of discussion. The team’s decision-makers are clearly evaluating their options for the future, and the performance of Gabriel, Sanders, and Zappe in the coming weeks will play a crucial role in shaping their long-term plans. While Gabriel is currently the favorite, Sanders and Zappe are waiting in the wings, eager to prove their worth.
This article breaks down the current quarterback hierarchy, examines Sanders’ and Zappe’s potential roles, and explores the factors that could influence their chances of playing time. We’ll also touch upon the situation with Deshaun Watson and the possibility of the Browns adding another quarterback to the mix. The Browns’ quarterback saga is far from over, and FYM News is here to keep you informed every step of the way.
Shedeur Sanders: Ready for His Shot?
Shedeur Sanders has been the Browns’ emergency No. 3 quarterback for each game this season. The question is, does the Flacco trade mean the Browns believe Sanders is ready to be a snap away from taking the reins? The Browns’ willingness to move on from both Flacco and Pickett suggests they believe Sanders can – and maybe will – play at some point this season.
Sanders’ preseason performance was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of accuracy and arm talent but struggled with consistency and decision-making. In two preseason games, Sanders showed promise after a choppy start, throwing two red zone touchdown passes and no turnovers. However, he followed that up with a nightmarish outing in the preseason finale, taking five sacks and getting benched.
Since the start of the regular season, Sanders has been relegated to the scout team and post-practice opportunity periods. While he’s had the opportunity to learn from veterans like Flacco and Gabriel, he hasn’t received any reps with the No. 1 offense. Despite showing accuracy and arm talent, Gabriel has remained ahead of Sanders at every checkpoint.
Bailey Zappe: The Veteran Option
The Browns signed Bailey Zappe back to the practice squad in late August after the Kansas City Chiefs released him. This move suggested that Zappe, not Sanders, was the true emergency quarterback for the early part of the season.
Zappe started last season’s finale for the Browns and has nine career starts under his belt. While he wasn’t brought back in the offseason as the Browns remade their quarterbacks room, his NFL resume makes him a more experienced option than Sanders. The Browns will soon reveal whether they view him as their best backup plan this week and in the weeks to come.
For Zappe to be the No. 3 emergency quarterback, he’d have to be signed to the active roster. He could also serve as the No. 2 if he gets the standard game-day promotion. It remains to be seen whether the Browns view Sanders as being ahead of Zappe in the pecking order.
Deshaun Watson: The Uncertain Future
Deshaun Watson is recovering from a second torn Achilles tendon, suffered in January while rehabbing from the injury he suffered last October. The Browns placed Watson on the active/physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp, keeping the door open for a possible return this season.
Watson’s football future is murky, but the Flacco trade theoretically moves Watson closer to actually playing this season. However, there’s no indication he’ll be medically cleared or that the Browns would play him even if he gets activated.
Watson’s contract, which runs through 2026, is fully guaranteed. His salary-cap number this season is $35.9 million, and his 2026 cap number is $80.7 million. The Browns will have to make a decision on how to handle Watson’s contract in early 2026.
Could Someone Else Enter the Mix?
Given the Browns’ history with quarterbacks, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that another quarterback could enter the mix. The Browns have had at least three starting quarterbacks in a season 11 times since 1999.
What could happen to lead to yet another addition? What if the Browns win this week in Pittsburgh to put themselves back into realistic AFC North contention – then lose another quarterback to injury at some point in October? What if the team really doesn’t think Sanders will be ready any week (or month) soon? What if Zappe doesn’t get signed to the active roster and instead chooses another opportunity elsewhere in the coming weeks?
The trade deadline is Nov. 4. The Browns probably are done dealing quarterbacks for the year, but the quarterback order for the rest of the season is not written in permanent marker.
Conclusion: Uncertainty Remains
The Browns’ quarterback situation is far from settled. With Flacco gone, Dillon Gabriel is the current starter, but Shedeur Sanders and Bailey Zappe are waiting for their opportunity. The Browns’ decision-makers will be closely evaluating all three quarterbacks in the coming weeks.
Ultimately, the Browns’ quarterback situation remains fluid. The performances of Gabriel, Sanders, and Zappe, as well as Watson’s recovery, will determine who takes the field for the Browns in the weeks to come. The Browns’ quarterback saga is far from over, and FYM News will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds.
The Browns’ quarterback decisions will have a significant impact on their success this season. The team’s ability to find a reliable and effective quarterback will be crucial to their chances of competing in the AFC North. Only time will tell how the Browns’ quarterback situation plays out, but one thing is certain: it will be a storyline worth following.
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