Browns Limit Shedeur Sanders’ Preseason Finale, Raising Questions About Development Plan
In Saturday afternoon’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, the Cleveland Browns gave rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders limited playing time, a decision that puzzled many observers. Sanders finished with modest numbers, completing just three of six pass attempts for 14 yards while also recording one fumble. His brief appearance fell short of expectations, especially for fans eager to see more of the highly-touted rookie in game situations before the regular season begins.
Perhaps more perplexing than Sanders’ limited snaps was head coach Kevin Stefanski’s decision to pull him late in the game when a potential game-winning drive opportunity presented itself. Instead, Tyler Huntley was inserted to lead the offense in the crucial two-minute drill situation. This coaching decision sparked immediate criticism from fans and analysts alike, including former NFL quarterback Derek Carr, who questioned the move on social media. “I need to understand why we don’t get to see @ShedeurSanders run this 2 minute drill?” Carr wrote. “Wouldn’t you want to see your young QB operate in this situation? Get him more reps for the future? I didn’t see the whole game so maybe he already showed enough? Help me understand this…”
Carr’s criticism highlights a valid football development concern: why wouldn’t Cleveland want to give their young quarterback valuable experience in a pressure situation during a preseason game? The decision seems particularly questionable considering Huntley isn’t expected to make the final roster. These late-game situations in preseason are typically viewed as perfect low-risk opportunities to evaluate how developmental quarterbacks perform under pressure. By denying Sanders this opportunity, the Browns missed a chance to gather important data on their rookie’s ability to manage a hurry-up offense in a game-deciding moment.
The Browns’ quarterback room is currently quite crowded, with Sanders projected to begin the season fourth on the depth chart. Veteran Joe Flacco is positioned as the starter, with Kenny Pickett as the expected backup and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel likely slotted ahead of Sanders as well. This situation, while not ideal for a player with Sanders’ pedigree and expectations, appears to be one he’s handling with professional maturity. Throughout training camp and preseason, Sanders has maintained a positive attitude and demonstrated strong teamwork despite his position on the depth chart.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season, the Browns’ quarterback situation remains one of the more intriguing storylines to follow. The organization appears to be taking a patient approach with Sanders’ development, though the reasoning behind specific decisions like Saturday’s limited playing time remains unclear. For a team with championship aspirations and question marks at the quarterback position, how they manage the development of a talented prospect like Sanders could have significant implications for both the immediate and long-term future of the franchise.
The coaching staff’s decision to limit Sanders’ opportunities in the preseason finale will likely continue to generate discussion among fans and analysts. While preseason performances must be kept in perspective, these games represent valuable evaluation opportunities, especially for rookies adjusting to NFL speed and complexity. As the Browns finalize their roster and prepare for the regular season, the organization’s plan for Sanders’ development path will be closely watched, especially after this curious handling of his playing time in what could have been a meaningful developmental moment in the team’s final preseason contest.
