Browns insider drops blunt reality of Shedeur Sanders' spot in Kevin Stefanski's roster before Eagles preseason matchup

Deion Sanders’ son, Shedeur Sanders, has been creating buzz after dominating in the first NFL action of his career last week. He scored two touchdowns and completed 15 of 23 passes for 138 yards against the Carolina Panthers. Despite that performance, the updated QB depth chart for the Eagles matchup listed Sanders as the fourth-string quarterback.

Coach Kevin Stefanski’s decision raised eyebrows. In fact, some fans have started putting him above veteran Joe Flacco to start for the team in 2025. Reacting to the situation, NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano said there’s a reason Sanders is at No. 4.

He noted that fifth-round quarterbacks — or any late-round prospects — rarely get to start unless veteran quarterbacks are injured or move to another team. While there have been instances where rookies earned a starting job, Siciliano said there’s usually a specific reason behind such moves and suggested that Sanders should wait for his chance.

“He hadn't gotten a lot of reps. He is low on the depth chart for a reason. He wasn't their first-round pick. Fifth first-round picks don't start in the NFL,” Siciliano said to Tom Pelissero on the Rich Eisen show on Tuesday. [Timestamp - 6:00]

“Russell Wilson is a third-round pick. Even Dak Prescott, but that Prescott, he, that was out of necessity. Tony Romo got, and Romo was hurt. Brock Purdy started because Jimmy Garoppolo was hurt. You go back to the Bucks in the 70s, the expansion Bengals in the 60s. That's the last time a quarterback drafted in six or seven or eight ever got to play. When he was given the opportunity, which is all you can ask for. And he nailed it,” he added.

Mike Stefanski opens up on Shedeur Sanders’ status for Eagles matchup

Heading into the second preseason game of 2025, the Browns will face the Eagles on the road this weekend. Speaking to reporters Wednesday morning, Stefanski said veterans Flacco and Kenny Pickett will rest to ensure they are fully fit for the season.

When asked about the starting quarterback for the game, Stefanski said it would most likely be Dillon Gabriel over Sanders. The former Oregon star didn’t get enough chances in the first game due to a hamstring strain. If cleared, he will start; otherwise, Sanders will lead the offense again.