The Cleveland Browns look likely to make a significant change to the starting lineup this week, and multiple players will benefit to one degree or another if that happens.
In question is the job of QB1, which currently belongs to veteran Joe Flacco. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski changed his tune significantly on the position group when he spoke with reporters Monday, September 29.
Until now, Stefanski has been quick to say Flacco is the starter and has remained adamant about that decision. Such was not how he addressed the 40-year-old’s status in the team’s most recent press conference.
Scott Petrak of BrownsZone asked Stefanski directly if the team planned to keep Flacco in a starting role when it travels to London to play the Minnesota Vikings next weekend.
“I understand the question, Scott,” Stefanski said. “We have to play better as an offense. We have to coach better on offense. It’s not about one person. There are so many things that we need to do better and obviously quarterback included. But this is not about one person.”
The immediate follow-up question involved a request for clarification on whether that meant Cleveland will go with Flacco on Sunday.
“Yeah, my focus is on making sure this offense plays better,” Stefanski responded.
Stefanski’s unwillingness to confirm Flacco as the starter is a strong indicator that he may not be QB1 six days from now. And if Cleveland benches the veteran, it is almost certain that rookie Dillon Gabriel will get the nod.
However, that also puts fellow rookie signal-caller Shedeur Sanders one injury or a couple of bad performances away from the NFL shot for which he has recently clamored.
Shedeur Sanders Made Clear He’s Ready to Start in NFL Now
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders made waves earlier this week with comments he uttered during a locker room interview about his readiness to start, and how he believes he stacks up to others who already have that opportunity.
“I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” Sanders said.
Sanders also broached the topic of whether Cleveland should be playing him already.
“I don’t think playing or not playing is in my hands,” Sanders replied. “Based on the situation, if things happen, if things pan out where I play, then I’ll be out there and I’ll be ready to play. I’m ready to play right now.”
Browns Insider Says Shedeur Sanders ‘Likely’ to Play During Rookie Season
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Some conspiracy theories surfaced online suggesting that perhaps Sanders was trying to push his way out of Cleveland ahead of the trade deadline. An appearance by Sanders’ father, Deion Sanders, on the “New Heights” podcast hosted by Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce also added fuel to the rumors that maybe the Browns’ rookie QB was searching for an exit to a destination more willing to start him now.
“How in the world can somebody fault [Shedeur] for saying or thinking, ‘Why in the world would I go back up Lamar [Jackson] for 10 more years?’” Deion Sanders said of reports that his son told the Baltimore Ravens not to draft him, despite interest on Day 3. “Like who comes in with that mindset?”
However, Cleveland has made no indication that Sanders is, or will be, on the trade block at any point in 2025. And Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported Monday that her sources indicate the fifth-round pick is likely going to play this year.
“When the Browns hand the reins to Gabriel, Sanders may or may not be the backup depending on the timing, but he’s also likely to see some action this season,” Cabot wrote. “Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has said the club ‘absolutely’ wants to see the two rookies play this season to help determine their strategy for the 2026 draft. The Browns have two first-round picks in the QB-rich draft.”
Thus, Stefanski’s reaction on Monday to questions about Flacco, and the educated speculation that Gabriel is about to become the starter that subsequently followed, represents a massive step for Sanders with regards to his prospects of getting on the field for the first time as a member of the NFL.
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