Why Shedeur Sanders Faces Cut Threat in Cleveland

Just months ago, Shedeur Sanders was the face of Colorado football, gritty, unshaken, and draped in headlines. Now, his NFL dream is under immediate threat. According to a report from ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, Sanders is “likely to begin training camp as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart,” and is in real danger of being cut by the Cleveland Browns before the season begins.

For Colorado Buffaloes fans who watched Sanders throw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024, the idea of him being a cut candidate feels surreal. Yet in Cleveland, the reality is harsh: five quarterbacks on the roster, and only three, maybe four will survive final cuts.

With Deshaun Watson still recovering from Achilles surgery, the Browns’ quarterback room is already tight. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett bring playoff experience. Rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, both drafted this year, represent the future. But as Oyefusi noted,“Being selected behind Gabriel adds an element of uncertainty to Sanders' rookie season. Although many had ranked him higher than the third-round pick before the draft.”

Being selected behind Gabriel adds an element of uncertainty to Sanders’ rookie season. “He doesn’t have a guaranteed roster spot.”

That uncertainty looms large despite Sanders’ pedigree and potential. While Deion Sanders continues to voice confidence in his son’s NFL readiness, NFL GMs weren’t as sure, letting Shedeur slide all the way to the fifth round. That fall stung, especially for a quarterback who was once projected as a top-10 pick.

The Browns traded up to get him. That move suggests some level of commitment, but commitment only goes so far when roster spots are on the line. Sanders will need to outperform not just Gabriel, but show he’s more valuable than Pickett, who has two years of NFL tape.