Sanders' Preseason Performance Analyzed

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders wrapped up his 2025 NFL preseason on Saturday with a challenging performance against the Los Angeles Rams. Entering the game in the third quarter, the fifth-round pick completed 3-of-6 passes for 14 yards, leaving the game with just over two minutes remaining as the Browns trailed 17-16.

Unfortunately for Sanders, he was sacked five times throughout the match. Some of these sacks occurred because he attempted to extend plays rather than opting to throw the ball away. This outing stood in stark contrast to his previous game, where he recorded 138 passing yards and two touchdowns in a decisive 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Saturday's performance, ultimately, did not deliver the impression Sanders hoped to make as he approached the final roster decisions. His overall preseason stats now sit at 17-for-29 passing for 152 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Roster Decisions Await

With the final roster decisions due by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, head coach Kevin Stefanski faces pressure regarding Sanders' future on the team. The central question surrounding Sanders is whether he will secure a spot on the active roster. Typically, NFL teams roster two quarterbacks for game days; however, given Cleveland's situation, they may opt to retain all four of their top signal-callers.

Reports from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler indicate that the Browns are unlikely to trade away either of their rookie quarterbacks this season. Should Sanders be among the 53 active players for the opening week, attention will soon shift to his position on the depth chart.

As Joe Flacco has already been named the starter for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7, the depth behind him may provide little drama. Throughout the offseason, Dillon Gabriel has consistently outperformed Sanders, starting the game as the first quarterback off the bench when Flacco exited.

Designating Sanders as the backup would constitute a notable shift in team strategy. Ultimately, regardless of where he falls in the quarterback hierarchy, it’s plausible that all of Cleveland's quarterbacks—Flacco, Gabriel, Sanders, and potentially Kenny Pickett—could see starting time this season. Sanders will need to capitalize on any opportunities presented to him as the season unfolds.