Daniel OyefusiOct 9, 2025, 02:48 PM ET
Shut
Daniel Oyefusi covers the Cleveland Browns for ESPN. Previous to ESPN, he coated the Miami Dolphins for the Miami Herald, in addition to the Baltimore Ravens for The Baltimore Solar.
BEREA, Ohio — As Browns coach Kevin Stefanski considers whom to tab as Cleveland’s backup quarterback, Shedeur Sanders mentioned Thursday that he sees a “light at the end of the tunnel” after beginning out because the workforce’s No. 4 QB in coaching camp.
“I’m in a great mental space overall,” Sanders mentioned. “So I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure. … Whatever my role is here, I’m thankful. I’m happy just to do that.”
Stefanski on Wednesday was noncommittal on whether or not Sanders — or observe squad quarterback Bailey Zappe — can be the backup to rookie Dillon Gabriel for Sunday’s highway recreation towards the Pittsburgh Steelers within the aftermath of buying and selling Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The commerce left Gabriel, a third-round choose, and Sanders, a fifth-round choose, as the one quarterbacks on the lively roster. Nevertheless, Stefanski mentioned he would “let the week play out [and] make a decision later” when requested in regards to the QB2 position.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Sanders, the son of Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer and Colorado soccer coach Deion Sanders, has spent the primary 5 video games of the season because the workforce’s inactive emergency quarterback. He obtained restricted reps amid a crowded quarterback room through the summer season, however he made the Browns’ 53-man roster as Cleveland traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders and launched Tyler Huntley.
By way of the primary month of the season, Sanders break up scout-team reps with Gabriel and Zappe.
“We’re going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon’s ready for the game,” Sanders mentioned. “Whatever that means. Each and every day, even when Joe was the starter, preparing the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there at any point in time. I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make then, I’m fine with.”
Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees on Thursday was complimentary of Sanders’ preparation.
“We’re looking for constant improvement throughout the season, and he’s done that,” Rees mentioned. “I think you see the growth and the familiarity of the offense and what we’re asking of those guys. I think the level of preparation it takes week to week when you’re putting a new game plan together, that’s a learning curve for all rookies. So, I think he’s gotten more used to that, gotten up to speed, doing a nice job in his preparation and understanding what the game plan holds. And when he’s had his opportunities to go operate it, he’s done a nice job.”
Sanders confronted criticism final week when he pantomimed solutions in response to questions in regards to the Browns’ quarterback change to Gabriel. Sanders was responding to essential feedback from ESPN analyst Rex Ryan on “Get Up” earlier that week. Whereas Sanders declined to answer Ryan’s feedback — “we not on no negativity from now on, man, we not doing that. I’m just here to be positive and I don’t speak on anything negative” — he mentioned he wished to be aware of how his feedback and persona could possibly be interpreted.
“I guess not everybody likes playful all the time,” Sanders mentioned. “So it’s to understand how to be at all times and keep my personality a little bit slimmer, I guess. Because not everybody understands it at all times and you may not have a full time to be able to explain things.”
After telling the “New Heights” podcast final month that he expects his son to “get a shot” with the Browns this season, Deion Sanders instructed CBS Colorado on Thursday that Shedeur Sanders “keeps on smiling” as he awaits his shot.
“Shedeur’s doing good. Mentally, emotionally, psychologically, he’s doing good,” Deion Sanders mentioned. “He’s smiling. They can’t knock the smile off his face. … Not that they’re trying to, but a lot of media personalities are. I can’t wait until he gets his opportunity and he do his thing.”
