Until a few weeks ago, Shedeur Sanders was the face of adaptability and grit; Especially after his unexpected downward spiral in the 2025 NFL Draft. But fast forward to today, and his professional football dream looks like it could slip away despite the Cleveland Browns taking a gamble on him. If you are a Buffs fan and watched the QB record 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns last year, the thought of him getting cut by the Browns might look impossible. Yet with five quarterbacks on their roster, perhaps three or maybe only four will survive the final roster cut.

While Deshaun Watson is still recovering from Achilles surgery, veteran signal-callers like Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett come with playoff experience. And rookies like Shedeur and Dillon Gabriel spark the hope of a franchise QB. However, ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi believes that the crowded QB room could ultimately lead to Shedeur Sanders’ exit. “Getting drafted behind Gabriel adds an element of uncertainty to Sanders’ rookie season,” he noted.

“While he was widely ranked ahead of the third-rounder before the draft, Sanders will likely begin training camp as the fourth QB on the depth chart and won’t be guaranteed a roster spot… Cleveland did trade up to draft him, which should afford him more time to develop, but Sanders likely has a longer pathway to the field unless he completely outplays his competition.”

This would make sense considering Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot had revealed that the team intended to split the first and second team reps during OTAs between Pickett and Gabriel (Sanders and Flacco would split the third and fourth team reps). She also reported that the former was the favorite to lead the team in Week 1 ahead of the OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Now, the narrative that Shedeur could potentially get cut has been catching momentum. NFL Rumors on X wrote: “Browns QB Shedeur Sanders is NOT guaranteed a roster spot. Sanders has 4 million guaranteed on his rookie contract.”

While it is catching fire only now, we have known it was a possibility since the beginning of this month. “We love adding competition,” GM Andrew Berry had stated, but that doesn’t sound like long-term commitment. Additionally, here are reasons why Shedeur is the most expendable name.

1. Gabriel was drafted before Shedeur, showing they value him more.
2. Unlike Shedeur, Pickett will cost the team draft capital in a trade. And the Browns might not want to waste their investment.
3. Joe Flacco comes with Super Bowl experience.

However, for now, Shedeur Sanders is focusing on things he has control over. “I haven’t really been on my phone much or talking to many people. I really don’t even talk to my family. It’s one of those situations where I just have to lock in, stay focused on what’s present now,” he said earlier this week, explaining how he was all locked in on his role with the Browns.

When “cool” isn’t enough: The QB gauntlet

Gabriel, the NCAA’s second-all-time leading passer (18,722 yards, 155 TDs), landed in Cleveland 50 picks before Sanders. Yet, the two have turned their awkward draft-night collision into a bromance worthy of Friday Night Lights. “Everything’s been cool,” Sanders said, shrugging off the drama. “He’s a cool person. I like how he handles situations… We’re truly cool.” Gabriel, ever the diplomat, doubled down: “We’re learning from one another.”

But let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t a buddy comedy. Sanders’ $4.6 million deal might be couch-cushion money for the Browns, but his college accolades (7,623 yards, 65 TDs, and a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award) are why Cleveland took the gamble. Yet, as NFL Network’s Kurt Warner noted, he is the most accurate passer in this draft when in rhythm. Rhythm, though, is hard to find when you’re QB4 in a room.

Sanders’ story isn’t just stats, though. The son of a gold-jacket legend, he’s spent his life under a microscope, dodging expectations like edge rushers. At Colorado, he orchestrated comebacks that felt ripped from NCAA Football highlight reels: 510 yards against TCU, a 98-yard game-tying drive vs. Colorado State. Now? He’s the guy who gifted a teammate (Jordan Seaton) a $200 K Mercedes but might not afford a locker in Cleveland.

Meanwhile, the Browns’ front office is playing 4D chess. With Deshaun Watson’s Achilles tendon causing him to be shelved for 2025, every rep at OTAs is a referendum on the future. Cutting Sanders would cost $4 million—a blip for a team with $19 million in cap space—but it’d also mean admitting defeat on a talent once dubbed the most structurally sound QB in the draft.

So here we are: Sanders, rolling into camp, armed with swagger and a 74% 2024 completion rate, staring down a depth chart that’s less opportunity and more of an obstacle course. As the man himself said, “Stay focused is the main thing.” And in Cleveland, focus might be the only currency that matters.

The Browns’ QB saga isn’t just about contracts or depth charts—it’s about legacy. Sanders, with his dad’s DNA and his own highlight reel, is chasing more than a roster spot. What do you think?