The Cleveland Browns, a franchise that has never been short on quarterback drama, once again find themselves at the center of attention. This week, the team announced a surprising move ahead of their game in London against the Minnesota Vikings: rookie quarterback Dylan Gabriel will get his first NFL start, while veteran Joe Flacco slides into the backup role. Even more intriguing, the move leaves rookie Shadore Sanders — son of NFL legend Deion “Prime” Sanders — still stuck at QB3, a decision that has sparked both confusion and debate among analysts, fans, and insiders alike.

The Browns’ decision reshapes not only the team’s present but also its future. With Gabriel making his debut under the bright lights of an international stage and Flacco’s career winding down, the spotlight has inevitably shifted to Sanders — and to the questions about when, or if, he’ll get his chance.

Dylan Gabriel: From Journeyman College QB to NFL Starter

Dylan Gabriel’s path to Cleveland was anything but conventional. After six seasons of college football across three different programs, including stints at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, Gabriel enters the NFL at nearly 25 years old — older than most rookies. His lengthy college career gave him 64 starts, making him one of the most experienced signal-callers of his draft class.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski praised Gabriel’s maturity and readiness for the opportunity:

“Dylan’s played a lot of football,” Stefanski said. “He’s prepared. He knows our system, and he’s earned the chance to step into this role.”

Still, Gabriel’s debut comes with enormous challenges. His first test will be against a Brian Flores-led Vikings defense, known for disguising pressures and exploiting rookie mistakes. Analysts agree that Cleveland is throwing Gabriel into the fire, and whether he thrives or falters could determine how soon the Browns turn to their other young quarterback.

Joe Flacco: The Veteran Safety Net

Joe Flacco, now 39 years old, has been a steady presence in Cleveland since stepping in last season after Deshaun Watson’s injury. He guided the Browns into the postseason and reminded fans of his championship pedigree, but even Flacco has admitted that “father time” has caught up to him.

By dropping Flacco to QB2, Cleveland is signaling that his role is now strictly as an emergency option and mentor. His days as a long-term starter are over, though his experience remains invaluable in the quarterback room.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith put it bluntly:

“Flacco knows what time it is. He’s happy to be on a roster, he’s happy to contribute. But he’s not what he used to be. At best, he’s a stopgap for the young guys coming up.”

That acknowledgment makes the Browns’ depth chart all the more curious. If Flacco is truly just a mentor and stopgap, why is Shadore Sanders still sitting behind him?

Shadore Sanders: The Elephant in the Room

Shadore Sanders’ presence looms over this quarterback carousel. Drafted 144th overall, Sanders entered the league with both excitement and controversy. His college resume, paired with the media spotlight surrounding his father Deion, made him one of the most talked-about mid-round picks in years.

Despite a strong preseason showing — highlighted by a standout Friday night performance that had some analysts calling for him to be the immediate QB2 — the Browns have kept Sanders at QB3. For many, that decision has less to do with football and more to do with organizational politics.

“If you’re telling me Shadore Sanders isn’t good enough to be your backup after what we saw in preseason, that’s one conversation,” said analyst Marcus Spears. “But if he’s QB3 just because you don’t want fans clamoring for him or because of who his dad is, that’s a whole different issue.”

The reality is that Sanders is a polarizing figure. Fans in Cleveland are already calling for him to get playing time, and his father’s presence in the NFL spotlight only fuels the pressure. For a front office that wants to control its own narrative, keeping Sanders at QB3 delays the noise.

The Browns’ Offense: A Bigger Problem

Beyond the quarterback drama, the Browns’ offense remains one of the NFL’s weakest units. Currently ranked 31st overall and 30th in rushing, the unit has struggled to generate consistent production. Injuries, inconsistent play-calling, and a lack of rhythm have plagued the offense all season.

That reality raises an important question: is any quarterback — Gabriel, Flacco, or Sanders — truly set up for success in this system? Analysts argue that while Gabriel may bring energy and a fresh perspective, Cleveland’s offensive woes run much deeper than who’s under center.

As Stephen A. Smith pointed out:

“Unless Dylan Gabriel plays lights out and Cleveland is somehow fighting for a playoff spot — which I don’t see happening — this offense isn’t going to give him much of a chance. Eventually, you’re going to see Shadore Sanders, probably around Week 12 or 13.”

The Timeline for Shadore Sanders

The debate now shifts to timing. How long will Cleveland wait before giving Sanders a real shot?

For some, like Smith, the answer is midseason — once the Browns are officially out of playoff contention. Others argue that Sanders may not see meaningful snaps at all this year, especially with Cleveland holding two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

If the Browns struggle, those picks could be used to draft yet another quarterback, putting Sanders’ long-term future in jeopardy before he even gets a fair shot.

“Every week that passes without Sanders getting reps is another week closer to Cleveland potentially drafting his replacement,” said NFL Network’s Peter Schrager.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Sanders. His opportunity may come, but whether it arrives in time to convince the organization he’s the future is another story entirely.

Politics, Pressure, and Perception

What makes this situation unique is that it isn’t just about football. The presence of Deion Sanders — now head coach at Colorado and one of the most influential figures in sports — changes everything.

Teams know that playing Shadore means opening the door to intense media coverage, endless debate shows, and heightened fan expectations. Cleveland’s cautious handling of him suggests they want to control the narrative, avoiding the perception that they’re bowing to hype or celebrity influence.

But as analysts argue, football decisions can’t be made on optics alone. If Sanders is good enough, he should play. If he’s not, he shouldn’t even be on the roster. The Browns’ attempt to straddle the line has only created more questions.

Looking Ahead: Vikings, London, and the Long Game

This week’s matchup against Minnesota is more than just another game. For Gabriel, it’s the chance to prove he belongs. For Flacco, it’s a reminder that his career is winding down. And for Sanders, it’s another week of waiting, watching, and wondering when his moment will come.

The Browns’ quarterback shuffle has become a national storyline, and it won’t go away anytime soon. With each passing week, the pressure to give Sanders a chance will only grow louder. Whether Cleveland bows to that pressure or continues to delay remains one of the most compelling questions of the NFL season.

Conclusion

The Browns have rolled the dice by starting Dylan Gabriel in London. They’ve demoted Joe Flacco, a respected veteran, but kept him ahead of Shadore Sanders. And in doing so, they’ve left fans, analysts, and insiders buzzing with speculation.

For now, Gabriel holds the keys. But if he falters — and given Cleveland’s offensive struggles, that’s a very real possibility — the calls for Shadore Sanders will become deafening. The Browns may be trying to control their narrative, but eventually, the game itself will dictate their choices.

Whether Sanders emerges as Cleveland’s quarterback of the future or fades into yet another chapter of the Browns’ quarterback carousel remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the drama in Cleveland is far from over.