Shedeur Sanders Dealt Another Blow as ESPN Reporter Reveals Why He Could Become Browns' Third-String QB Behind Dillon Gabriel
Shedeur Sanders Dealt Another Blow as ESPN Reporter Reveals Why He Could Become Browns' Third-String QB Behind Dillon Gabriel
The Cleveland Browns' quarterback room is currently the center of intense NFL speculation as veteran Deshaun Watson, fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, and third-round selection Dillon Gabriel battle for position. While Shedeur Sanders entered the league with significant hype as the son of Deion Sanders, recent reports from veteran ESPN insiders suggest a shift in the hierarchy. According to Browns reporter Tony Grossi, Dillon Gabriel is emerging as a more reliable backup option due to his professional demeanor and willingness to support the starter, potentially pushing Sanders down to the third-string role. This news comes as a significant blow to Sanders, who saw his stock rise late last season but now faces questions about his fit within the team's long-term structure and the "shadow" cast by his high-profile background.
Shedeur Sanders may fall to third-string on the Cleveland Browns' depth chart behind veteran Deshaun Watson and fellow 2025 rookie Dillon Gabriel. ESPN's Tony Grossi reports that Gabriel's ability to "keep quiet," study the game plan, and support the starter makes him an ideal backup. In contrast, Sanders' high-profile personality and the distractions surrounding his camp are cited as reasons he may be viewed as less suitable for a backup role, potentially leading the Browns to prioritize Gabriel as the primary relief for Watson in the 2026 season.
The Shift in Cleveland's Quarterback Competition
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a unique situation following the 2025 NFL Draft, having selected two quarterbacks within three rounds of each other. While Dillon Gabriel was taken in the third round and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth, the initial buzz favored Sanders after he took over for an injured Gabriel late in the 2025 season. However, as the 2026 offseason progresses, the narrative is shifting back toward the veteran presence of Deshaun Watson and the professional reliability of Gabriel.
Recent reports from voluntary minicamps suggest that Watson has outperformed both rookies, solidifying his status as the projected Week 1 starter. This leaves Sanders and Gabriel to fight for the QB2 spot. While Sanders has shown flashes of brilliance and was even named to a Pro Bowl as an alternate, the internal preference seems to be leaning toward Gabriel. The reasoning provided by ESPN's Tony Grossi highlights a fundamental philosophy in NFL roster building: the "ideal" backup is someone who provides stability without the circus.
Why Dillon Gabriel is Surpassing Shedeur Sanders
Dillon Gabriel brings a level of collegiate experience that is virtually unmatched in NFL history, having started 63 games across three different programs. This experience has translated into a mental maturity that the Browns' coaching staff reportedly values. Grossi noted that Gabriel is the type of player who will run the scout team effectively and support the starter without causing locker room friction. In the high-stakes environment of the NFL, especially for a team like the Browns under coach Todd Monken, this "quiet professional" approach is often preferred for a backup.
Furthermore, Gabriel's statistical profile from his time at Oregon showed a high adjusted completion percentage and a low turnover-worthy play rate. While he struggled in his early NFL starts, including a difficult game in London, supporters like Joel Bitonio have voiced confidence in his ability to improve. The team's investment in Gabriel as a third-round pick also suggests they are not ready to give up on him after a handful of appearances.
The "Shadow" of Shedeur Sanders and its Impact
A recurring theme in the analysis of Shedeur Sanders is the "shadow" mentioned by Tony Grossi and Albert Breer. This refers not just to his play on the field, but the media attention and external drama that follows his camp. Recent social media targeting of veteran reporters by members of the Sanders family has reportedly caused concern within the Browns' facility. For a team trying to establish a new culture under Monken, these distractions can be seen as a liability for a player not currently in the starting role.
Grossi suggested that this "huge shadow" was a primary reason many teams passed on Sanders until the fifth round. If a player is viewed as "starter or bust," their value as a developmental backup diminishes significantly. If the Browns do not see Sanders as their immediate answer at starter, his presence as a third-stringer becomes a complicated management task rather than a simple roster depth solution.
Deshaun Watson's Role in the 2026 Hierarchy
Despite the excitement surrounding the young quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson remains the focal point of the Browns' 2026 plans. Watson reportedly outperformed both Sanders and Gabriel in recent camps, showing signs of the mobility and accuracy that defined his early career. With a massive contract still on the books for 2026, the Browns are incentivized to give Watson every opportunity to succeed before moving on in 2027.
However, the reports also indicate that Watson is unlikely to be back with the team after this season. This creates a high-pressure "bridge" year where the Browns need a backup who can step in without missing a beat if Watson's injury history repeats itself. The belief that Gabriel is better suited for this specific "relief" role is what is currently pushing Sanders toward the third-string position.
| Quarterback | Projected 2026 Status |
|---|---|
| Deshaun Watson | Projected Week 1 Starter |
| Dillon Gabriel | Primary Backup (QB2) |
| Shedeur Sanders | Third-String / Developmental (QB3) |
Statistical Comparison: Sanders vs. Gabriel in 2025
When looking at the numbers from their rookie campaigns, the comparison is nuanced. Dillon Gabriel was slightly more accurate, finishing with a 59.5% completion percentage compared to Sanders' 56.6%. Gabriel also did a better job of protecting the football, throwing only two interceptions in his limited starts, whereas Sanders struggled with 10 interceptions despite showing more "explosive" playmaking ability.
Sanders finished the year with 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns, leading the team to a notable win against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, his high interception count and tendency to take sacks are areas of concern for the coaching staff. Gabriel, while criticized for a low yards-per-attempt average, is seen as a safer "game manager" who won't lose the game for the team—a trait highly valued in a backup quarterback.
The Future of the Browns' Offense Under Todd Monken
First-year head coach Todd Monken is tasked with modernizing a Browns offense that has been inconsistent. Monken's history suggests he wants an efficient, high-processing quarterback who can execute the scheme precisely. Both Gabriel and Sanders have links to Monken's preferred styles, but they offer different solutions. Gabriel fits the "system operator" mold, while Sanders is more of a "playmaker" who can create outside of structure.
The decision to potentially demote Sanders to third-string reflects a desire for stability in the short term. Monken is under pressure to produce a winning season to avoid being a "one-and-done" coach, and in that environment, coaches often lean toward the player they trust most to follow the script. Gabriel's extensive college experience gives him a perceived edge in "seeing it all" before it happens on the field.
Rumors of Further Quarterback Additions
The quarterback situation in Cleveland is so fluid that rumors are already circulating about the 2026 and 2027 drafts. Some analysts, including Sayre Bedinger, have suggested the Browns could even move on from Gabriel if a prospect like Carson Beck becomes available, as Beck has direct ties to Monken from their time at Georgia. There are also whispers that the Browns could explore the NFL supplemental draft if a player like Brendan Sorsby becomes available.
For Shedeur Sanders, these rumors are another "blow" to his perceived security with the franchise. If the team is already looking at future draft classes for a "franchise" solution, it suggests they may view both current rookies as bridge options or high-level backups rather than the long-term face of the organization.
What This Means for Shedeur Sanders' Career Path
Being designated as a third-string quarterback in your second season is not a death knell, but for a player with the profile of Shedeur Sanders, it represents a significant challenge to his "brand" and his trajectory. Sanders has the talent to be a Pro Bowler, as evidenced by his selection as an alternate last year. However, the NFL is as much about locker room fit and professional reliability as it is about raw talent.
If Sanders can use this time to diminish his "shadow" and prove he can be a professional within the Browns' system, he may still have a path to starting in 2027. If the friction continues, however, he could find himself as a valuable trade chip for a team willing to take on the media circus in exchange for his undoubted passing ceiling.
Conclusion
The revelation that Shedeur Sanders is falling behind Dillon Gabriel in the Browns' quarterback hierarchy is a sobering reminder of the NFL's "what have you done for me lately" nature. While Sanders captured the imagination of fans late in 2025, the internal metrics of professionalism, scheme fit, and turnover avoidance currently favor Gabriel. As the Browns head into a pivotal 2026 season, the battle for the backup spot will be just as scrutinized as the performance of Deshaun Watson, with Sanders needing to prove he can be more than just a high-profile name in a crowded room.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Shedeur Sanders potentially dropping to third-string?
According to ESPN's Tony Grossi, the Browns value Dillon Gabriel's professional demeanor, his ability to support the starter quietly, and his extensive experience. Sanders' high-profile background and the media distractions surrounding his camp are seen as drawbacks for a backup role.
2. Who is projected to be the Browns' starting QB in 2026?
Deshaun Watson is the projected Week 1 starter for the 2026 season after reportedly outperforming both Sanders and Gabriel in offseason minicamps.
3. How did Dillon Gabriel perform compared to Shedeur Sanders in 2025?
Gabriel had a higher completion percentage (59.5% vs 56.6%) and fewer interceptions (2 vs 10). However, Sanders had more passing yards (1,400) and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.
4. Will the Browns keep both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel?
While both are on team-friendly contracts through 2028, rumors suggest the Browns could make Sanders available via trade if they feel Gabriel is the superior backup and they plan to draft a new starter in 2027.
5. What is the "shadow" mentioned by reporters?
The "shadow" refers to the intense media scrutiny and potential for external drama associated with Shedeur's father, Deion Sanders, and the rest of his camp, which some NFL insiders believe can be a distraction for a team.
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