Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders was put into a more difficult situation this offseason than most people anticipated. After last season, Sanders was projected to be a first-round pick who could have even gone in the top 10. However, he had a historic draft slide and did not get selected until the Cleveland Browns picked him up in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
The draft slide was disappointing, but it also put Sanders in an awkward position. While Cleveland does not have a definitive starting QB, it does have a huge number of QBs. Sanders is one of four QBs competing for the starting job in training camp, including Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Shedeur Sanders will get a huge opportunity in the preseason opener on Friday against the Carolina Panthers. According to ESPN, Sanders will start against the Panthers in the first game of the preseason.
Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III tweeted about this news on Tuesday evening, declaring that it is a huge opportunity for the young QB.
“Shedeur Sanders is starting the Cleveland Browns preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers’ starters after getting limited opportunities with the starters in training camp and officially being 4th on the QB depth chart. MASSIVE opportunity for Shedeur and MUST WATCH TV,” Robert Griffin III wrote.
Shedeur Sanders is starting the Cleveland Browns preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers’ starters after getting limited opportunities with the starters in training camp and officially being 4th on the QB depth chart. MASSIVE opportunity for Shedeur and MUST WATCH TV.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 5, 2025
Shedeur Sanders Gets the Start Despite Being Listed As the Fourth-String QB
An interesting aspect of Shedeur Sanders getting the start on Friday is that he is still listed as the fourth-string QB. The Browns released their depth chart on Monday, and it still had Sanders in the QB4 position. So, it was surprising to hear that Sanders will get the start on Friday. However, there are some other factors at play.
Notably, both Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are dealing with hamstring injuries. As for Joe Flacco, who is projected to start in Week 1 of the regular season, he is 40 years old. As a result, there is a decent chance the Browns will significantly limit his playing time during the preseason to avoid injury risk. These factors paved the way for Sanders to get a big opportunity on Friday.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
