Dillon Gabriel has the Cleveland Browns’ starting job for now, but rookie Shedeur Sanders remains a looming presence on the depth chart.
The Browns named Gabriel their Week 5 starter, turning to the rookie after a sluggish 1-3 start under 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco. The move gives Gabriel the first crack at stabilizing the offense. But if he struggles, Sanders may get his number called.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Browns remain intrigued by Sanders, their fifth-round pick, despite his lack of opportunities.
“I did hear about the other quarterback. There are a lot of things inside the Browns building that they like about Shedeur Sanders. His innate feel in a football game, they like his ability, they like how cool he is under pressure,” Rapoport said. “It just doesn’t seem, as of right now, that he’s ready to be a starting quarterback, which is okay. That was what they believed when they drafted him. That’s why he went in the fifth round. Will we get a look at him later in the season? It does sound like we probably will.”
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel Ready for Moment
The Browns selected Gabriel in the third round and have praised the 24-year-old for his processing ability, understanding of the playbook and football IQ. His moment has arrived earlier than expected but Gabriel feels prepared to make a difference.
“I think I smile because it’s like a moment you prep for, and you are extremely excited for, but also got to realize that it’s extreme focus,” Gabriel said. “And that’s what I’ve continued to harp on. You wait for the perfect time, you’re going to wait a whole lifetime. So, for me, I’m just I’ve always been ready for every moment.”
Gabriel brings plenty of experience to the Browns. He played six college seasons at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon, putting together one of the most prolific careers in FBS history. Gabriel tied Case Keenum’s record with 155 touchdown passes, set the all-time mark with 189 total touchdowns, and finished second in both passing yards (18,722) and total offense (19,931).
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Still Confident
Sanders has faced an uphill climb in Cleveland, but his confidence hasn’t wavered. The former Colorado standout recently made it clear he believes he’s ready for the NFL stage and is capable of outperforming what he’s seen from other quarterbacks around the league.
“I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” Sanders told ESPN Cleveland. “It’s obvious a lot of teams would be playing me, but that’s not in God’s plan right now.”
Sanders also said he’s “ready to play right now,” though his opportunity may still be some time away. Flacco will be the primary backup behind Gabriel, while Sanders continues in his role as the No. 3 quarterback.
Through the first four weeks, Sanders has been the emergency option, only eligible to play if both Gabriel and Flacco are sidelined. The Browns face the Vikings in London in Week 5 as a slight underdog.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Shedeur Sanders’ Update Turns Up the Heat on Browns QB Dillon Gabriel appeared first on Heavy Sports.