Shedeur Sanders had an electric debut against the Carolina Panthers in the preseason opener. In fact, the Cleveland Browns quarterback even got a lot of buzz around people reconsidering him as a legitimate offensive threat following his performance. Throughout the game, Sanders avoided turning the football over, made some great throws down the field and even threw two darts resulting in touchdowns.
As it was expected, Sanders was supposed to rise up in the depth sheet for the Browns. But as seen from the second unofficial depth chart, he still finds himself behind Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett, who are both dealing with injuries. Fans, who have started showing faith in the former Colorado QB are clearly not happy.
Shedeur Sanders ranks fourth in the QB depth chart, behind Joe Flacco, Gabriel, and Pickett. Reacting to this news shared by Browns beat journalist Mary Kay Cabot, fans might have been rather furious about it.
On #Browns unofficial depth chart for the #Eagles game, the QB order remains the same: Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel, Sanders. But the 1st 2 will rest Saturday: pic.twitter.com/ImqwNUWN61
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 11, 2025
“What a joke,” one fan wrote.
“I wish the Browns would trade Sanders to a legit well managed football team with competent ownership and GM. Sanders was drafted by the mistake by the lake. I feel for the Browns fans. Cleveland is a great city but tarnished by the Browns,” one fan said.
“Sanders will be traded before the season, Steelers will offer a 1st round pick,” another fan added.
“Dillon Gabriel must have blackmail material on Kevin Stefanski and GM Berry,” another fan added.
“🙏🏾 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 Shedeur gets the hell out of Cleveland,” one fan said.
“What has Dillon done to deserve this favoritism? He hasn’t had to earn anything,” one fan wrote.
It’s important to note that the depth chart here is mostly clerical and unofficial. This does not impact the way the Browns handle Shedeur Sanders’ reps heading into joint practices with the Eagles.
But, after a strong showing against the Panthers, Shedeur seems to have proven his mantle as a QB – especially in the absence of Gabriel and Pickett.
Cleveland Browns veterans praise Shedeur Sanders’ debut performance in NFL preseason
Shedeur Sanders impressed his veteran teammates Myles Garrett and Jerry Jeudy after an electrifying performance on his preseason debut. Sanders threw for 138 yards and facilitated two touchdowns, which got Garrett sharing some words of praise to the young quarterback. While mic’d up on the sideline, Garrett told Sanders:
“You’re a good kid. I don’t wanna have to hurt ya. We’re gonna need you, bro—we gonna need you.”
Furthermore, Jeudy also had some great words to say for Sanders. During a media session after practice, the veteran wide receiver said:
“I’m excited for him. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
After playing his one game, seems like everyone is finally noticing Shedeur Sanders’ potential. There’s a growing sense of understanding to integrate Sanders into a potentially impactful role on the roster for the season. As of now, all eyes remain on how Sanders will show up against the Eagles in his second preseason game on Saturday.
Related:
Colin Cowherd Minces No Words While Blaming Deion Sanders for Shedeur’s NFL Draft Chaos
