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Browns Sign Former Chiefs Quarterback After Shedeur Sanders Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 4:27 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns have been one of the most talked about teams during the offseason since the addition of Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Cleveland selected Sanders in the fifth round, and the Colorado prospect wound up competing for a roster spot with Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett.

The Browns also have Deshaun Watson signed to one of the biggest contracts in NFL history, but he is sidelined and recovering from a torn Achilles.

Ahead of the NFL season, the Browns had a decision to make. Sanders was an option to be cut from the team before the 53-man roster was announced.

Despite many analysts firing at Sanders' ability to play in the NFL, Cleveland decided differently. The Browns kept Sanders and decided to trade Pickett, having sent the former Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles QB to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Browns announced Sanders as the No. 3 quarterback behind Flacco and Gabriel.

Amid all of the fuss around Cleveland's quarterback room, the Browns signed Bailey Zappe to the practice squad, per Tom Pelissero.

Another QB in Cleveland: The #Browns are signing Bailey Zappe to the practice squad, per source.

So the QB room now includes Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and Zappe, who previously spent part of last season in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/OQKupoLKBc
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 27, 2025

Zappe is a familiar face in the Browns organization. He played for Cleveland in 2024 after starting the year with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Zappe was also with the Chiefs throughout the 2025 offseason, but he was ultimately cut in a quarterback room that's led by Patrick Mahomes.

Zappe began his career with the New England Patriots. He was a member of the Patriots during the Mac Jones saga, taking the spotlight from the former Alabama star on several occasions.

During his career in the NFL, Zappe has passed for 12 touchdowns and 2,223 yards with a 62.1 completion percentage.

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

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