The Cleveland Browns should consider starting rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders instead of Dillon Gabriel at this juncture in the season. Following Week 4, Gabriel replaced a benched Joe Flacco, who has now been traded to the Cincinnati Bengals after struggling with turnovers. Despite Gabriel”s experience as a third-round pick from Oregon, his performance has not instilled confidence in his ability to lead the team, posting a 1–4 record in five starts. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has indicated that Gabriel will continue as the starter, but it may be time for the Browns to shift their focus towards developing Sanders.
First and foremost, the Browns have nothing to lose by giving Sanders a shot. With a dismal 2-7 start, the team has effectively fallen out of playoff contention. Their offense has averaged only 18 points over the last five games, significantly below the league average. Prioritizing the growth of younger players like Sanders is crucial at this point. Keeping the 23-year-old on the sidelines does nothing to aid his development. Even if he encounters difficulties, the losses will still count the same. However, if he shows promise, it could dramatically alter the team”s future outlook. Given that they are not in the running for a Super Bowl, the Browns should embrace a rebuilding strategy this offseason.
Another reason to start Sanders is the potential for him to emerge as a star. The Browns” offense boasts several talented skill players, including rookie running back Quinshon Judkins and rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Judkins currently leads all rookies in rushing yards, while Fannin ranks fifth among rookies in receiving yards. What they lack is a reliable starting quarterback, and Sanders could be that player. In his final season with the Colorado Buffaloes, he ranked second in the FBS with 37 touchdown passes and fourth in passing yards with 4,134. Although he was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft due to concerns about his maturity and poor interviews, those reservations could be forgotten if he steps up in Cleveland. As noted by Bleacher Report”s Dame Parson, “Shedeur Sanders is one of the purest passers from the pocket in college football and the NFL Draft class.”
Gabriel”s statistics raise questions about his capability as a starting quarterback. He ranks near the bottom among eligible quarterbacks in completion percentage and yards per pass attempt. In a recent loss against the New York Jets, he completed just over half of his passes, resulting in a below-average passer rating. His height, listed at 5-foot-11, may hinder his effectiveness in the NFL, while Sanders stands at a more suitable 6-foot-2. Although Stefanski has brushed off concerns about size impacting the offense, it is something that should be acknowledged, especially if Gabriel is better suited for a backup role.
Furthermore, the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft class appears weak at the quarterback position. If the Browns aim to secure a quarterback through the draft, they may find their options limited. Some top prospects, like Oregon”s Dante Moore and Alabama”s Ty Simpson, are likely to return to school next season, leaving Indiana”s Fernando Mendoza as the top option. However, scouts question whether Mendoza possesses the traits to be a franchise-altering player. Allowing Sanders to develop might ultimately serve the Browns better than reaching for a quarterback in the draft, especially considering their history of instability at the position.
Week 11 could be an ideal moment for Sanders to make his debut. The Browns will face the Baltimore Ravens, who have won three consecutive games but still struggle against the pass, ranking poorly in yards allowed and passer rating. Given their defensive vulnerabilities, this matchup might provide Sanders with a favorable opportunity to showcase his abilities. Although the Browns” season seems to be slipping away, determining what Sanders can bring to the table could be a positive step forward for the team”s future.
