Shedeur Sanders’ role with Browns settled after depth chart shakeup
After signing Bailey Zappe, the Browns now have four quarterbacks, but Kevin Stefanski wasted no time clearing up what it means for Shedeur Sanders.


The Cleveland Browns keep making changes to their quarterback room. This week, they added another arm, and we know this is what people want to know, so no - it won’t impact rookie Shedeur Sanders’ game-day role.
Browns QB room is back to four with the signing of Bailey Zappe 👀 pic.twitter.com/r21yTCiOEs
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 27, 2025
Browns clarify Shedeur Sanders’ role after signing Bailey Zappe
Cleveland signed former Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe to the practice squad, sparking speculation about how the depth chart might shake out. With Joe Flacco set to start Week 1 and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel named the primary backup, some wondered whether Sanders’ spot was in jeopardy.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski quickly shut that down. When asked who would serve as the Browns’ emergency quarterback on Sundays, his answer was simple: “Shedeur.”
That means Sanders remains locked in as Cleveland’s third option, with Zappe simply providing depth and familiarity.
Shedeur Sanders shared a post reflecting on his first NFL preseason 💪 pic.twitter.com/Hpx5XGmSza
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 25, 2025
“I got to spend a lot of time with Bailey last season,” Stefanski said. “He’s really talented, works hard, and we’re glad he’s back. But that’s all it is.”
Browns QB depth chart
- Starter: Joe Flacco
- Backup: Dillon Gabriel
- Emergency QB: Shedeur Sanders
- Practice squad: Bailey Zappe
The Browns also still have Deshaun Watson working his way back from another Achilles injury. He begins the season on the PUP list, sidelined for at least the first four games.
For now, though, the team has made its stance clear: Sanders isn’t going anywhere. Cleveland opens the season September 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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