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Shedeur Sanders Sends Strong Message on Sunday With Browns’ Roster Decisions Looming

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 8:22 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns wrapped up their preseason on Saturday and now turn their attention to what many consider the most difficult part of the offseason: cutting the roster down to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

On Sunday, Cleveland released quarterback Tyler Huntley — the fifth signal-caller on the depth chart — along with 17 other players in the team’s first wave of moves.

Huntley’s departure leaves the Browns with four quarterbacks, and based on recent comments from head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, that appears unlikely to change.

"We have a room that we like all the guys in there," Berry said. "We don't really see that as a problem. We more see it as an opportunity."

Browns are releasing quarterback Tyler Huntley, per source. Cleveland has been planning to keep its other four QBs — Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders — on its 53-man roster. pic.twitter.com/t9tzlFzXKt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2025

Veteran Joe Flacco is locked in as the Week 1 starter, with Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Shedeur Sanders set to back him up. Every quarterback except Pickett saw action in the preseason finale.

Afterward, Sanders took to social media to thank fans for their support and made it clear he’s focused on steady improvement, vowing to keep building on his first taste of NFL action.

"Thanks everyone for the [love] and support," Sanders wrote. "There’s a lot to learn from this preseason, but I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be out there. Day by day, rep by rep, I’ll keep learning and getting better."

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A post shared by Shedeur Sanders (@shedeursanders)

Sanders has quickly embraced the city of Cleveland, attending local events, connecting with fans, and quietly working to prove himself on a roster that many questioned he could crack given its quarterback depth.

He started the Browns’ first preseason game and impressed, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns before exiting in the third quarter. His performance helped lead Cleveland to a commanding 30-10 win.

The former Colorado star missed the second preseason game with an oblique injury before returning in Saturday’s finale as the third quarterback. Working behind a patchwork offensive line, Sanders managed just six pass attempts while being sacked five times.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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