Despite struggling in the preseason finale, Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders was confident that he’ll “obviously” make the Browns’ 53-man roster. But he decided to take it up a notch when he added that he eventually wants to “be a player to be able to change a franchise.” Now, the Browns’ QB depth chart has since been released, but for Sanders, it brought with it a tough reality.

One, he didn’t win the starting job, and second, he couldn’t qualify for the backup role either. Instead, he found himself as their third-string option. A lot was said about what that exactly meant for Sanders when the news first broke. But on Thursday at a presser, when a reporter broached the subject of an emergency quarterback, head coach Kevin Stefanski cut to the chase. Stefanski had a one-word answer: Shedeur.

Shortly after, Ian Rapoport underwhelmingly dropped a line on X, “#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski tells reporters that Shedeur Sanders will be the third QB, meaning he’s able to dress for games.” Now, for the 23-year-old, the role comes with a very specific set of conditions. He will suit up on game days, but won’t see the field unless both Joe Flacco and backup Dillon Gabriel are sidelined. And with this, the Browns will take advantage of the NFL’s 2023 Bylaw Proposal 1A, which allows teams to dress their 49th player as the emergency QB. Per the rule:

• The third QB should be a part of the team’s main roster and cannot be an elevated practice squad athlete.
• A club cannot keep an emergency QB if it already has three or more bona fide quarterbacks.
• The emergency QB can play only if the first two QBs are unable to play because of disqualification or injury. The starter or backup is allowed to re-enter the game in case they have been cleared from an injury.
• An emergency QB cannot enter a game if the starter and backup were benched.

This announcement adds more clarity, especially after Cleveland signed Bailey Zappe to their practice squad on Wednesday.

So, the quarterback battle in Berea is settled. Dillon Gabriel, the 24-year-old rookie, has claimed the Cleveland Browns’ backup job behind Joe Flacco. A third-round pick, he impressed in the 2025 preseason with 272 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 25-of-37 passing. However, before the Browns officially named Dillon Gabriel their backup, reporter Albert Breer had already hinted at the shift. “At this point, they would feel more comfortable putting Dillon Gabriel in a regular-season game than they would Shedeur Sanders.”

Despite a promising preseason debut, concerns like slow reads, pocket drift, and inconsistent timing led Kevin Stefanski to place Sanders behind Gabriel. That is the tough reality he will have to face. One can’t be too certain about how much he will get to play in the regular season.

As the emergency quarterback, he remains part of the Browns’ plans, working with the scout team and gaining valuable exposure to NFL game-day routines and mental preparation.

Could Bailey Zappe’s return have an impact on Shedeur Sanders?

Coach Stefanski aims to keep the QB room competitive. At least, that’s what it looks like with the addition of Bailey Zappe to the practice squad. For Shedeur Sanders, who is already adjusting to the reality of being QB3, Zappe’s arrival adds another layer of pressure. After all, the 26-year-old isn’t just a random arm off the street.

He is familiar with the Browns, having spent part of last season with the team and even starting their Week 18 finale when Deshaun Watson was injured. He also brings NFL experience from his time with the Patriots and a brief stint with the Chiefs earlier this year. And Kevin Stefanski knows Zappe’s play style well, making him a reliable option.

However, now that the head coach has confirmed that Sanders holds the No. 3 quarterback role, Zappe’s addition most likely won’t threaten his current position. Regardless, for the 23-year-old, this season may not be about immediate impact. It will be about understanding the league, sharpening his craft, and proving he belongs in the long-term picture. What do you think?