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Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski remained vague about Shedeur Sanders’ future role with the team following the quarterback’s impressive preseason debut on Friday night.
Sanders made headlines with two touchdown passes against the Panthers, drawing praise from sports stars like LeBron James and South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley.
However, Stefanski did not confirm if Sanders would move up the depth chart after his performance. Sanders currently sits at fourth behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders throws against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Scott Kinser/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“We need to get through the next couple of days from an injury standpoint and see where everybody is,” Stefanski told reporters on Saturday.
“I’m really focused on all of our quarterbacks’ development and every single one of these reps last night, how important they are. So, that’s what I’m focused on more than anything.”
Stefanski acknowledged that Sanders has room for improvement in certain areas of his game.
“We have a standard for that position and really every position, but certainly the quarterback position. There’s a standard by which we play and how we play and how we operate and how we take care of the football and those type of things,” Stefanski said.
“There are things that Shedeur can clean up, he will clean up. But, by and large, I thought the operation was really good, and that’s important when you have different guys in there. … I think it goes back to, with Shedeur or any player, you’re maximizing all of your time in the building.”
Stefanski’s remarks received backlash on social media from fans who believe Sanders deserves more recognition for his performance.
“Getting Kevin Stefanski to praise Shedeur and not praise the rookies or QBs as a whole is like pulling teeth,” one user wrote.
Another user added, “Stop playing and name him the starter already.”
Sanders himself was critical of his own performance despite the two touchdowns.
“Did I play up to par? No, I don’t feel like I did,” Sanders said after the game. “But, overall, the main goal was to win, and that’s honestly what we did.
“I’m comfortable with being uncomfortable, so that’s what it is.”
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders celebrates a touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
When asked about his chances of winning the starting job, Sanders responded, “I just don’t think that deep into everything because there’s nothing you’re going to be able to control. The most you can do is when you get your opportunity, when your number is called, perform, at least do the bare minimum and win the game. That’s what I feel like we did today and definitely things I’m able to grow off of.”
During his standout performance, Sanders also used the opportunity to address one of his critics.
In a YouTube video posted by his brother, Deion Sanders Jr., Shedeur confronted Browns’ beat reporter ESPN’s Tony Grossi at Bank of America Stadium. The exchange was not hostile, though Sanders was sarcastic with the reporter.
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“Tony, I be hoping you have something positive to say about me,” Sanders told Grossi. “You only say negative stuff about me. And I’m like, ‘I ain’t do nothing to you.’ I ain’t see nothing positive that you ever say.”
Grossi’s response was inaudible, but they shared a laugh afterward.
“What I do? What’d I do to you?” Sanders said as he walked away.
The Browns will face the Philadelphia Eagles in their second preseason game next week, with Stefanski confirming that Sanders will receive significant playing time.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, front, walks off the field after minicamp in Berea, Ohio May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Sanders’ time with the Browns has been marked by controversy after he was twice cited for speeding.
He was first ticketed for allegedly driving 91 mph in a 65 mph zone. Two weeks later, he allegedly hit 101 mph in a 60 mph zone and failed to appear in court.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry reprimanded Sanders for the incidents last month.
“Not smart. Just not smart,” Berry said about the speeding tickets. “It’s something that we’ve addressed with him. Look, he understands the implications. He understands the consequences. It’s not just about yourself. It’s not just about having a joyride, but that you could injure other people. … A deer or something cuts in front of you, your reaction time, it’s just dangerous.”
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