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ESPN analyst slams Browns over handling of Shedeur Sanders

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emanuel Walker II | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 11:40 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns entered the offseason with questions at quarterback, and their draft strategy only added to the

uncertainty. They used a third-round pick on Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and a fifth-rounder on Colorado star Shedeur Sanders, leaving many wondered is there would be a reset.

Yet, as training camp unfolded, the competition became murky, and ESPN’s NFL analyst Marcus Spears believes the Browns mishandled the process.

On Tuesday's episode of Get Up, Spears criticized Cleveland for staging what he called a “competition” when the outcome appeared predetermined for Joe Flacco to be named the starter. The 40-year-old who revived the Browns’ offense once, was officially named the starter this week. For Spears, that decision was never truly in doubt.

.@Realrclark25 doesn't believe Joe Flacco starting at QB for the Browns was the right move.

"I think you should have looked at one of these rookies to see if you had your franchise quarterback in the building." pic.twitter.com/WtmtvxycNz
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 19, 2025

“This should have never been a competition,” Spears said. “The plan was always Flacco starts, and then you let the rookies figure out who’s next. Instead, you burned valuable time.”

Spears’ frustration stems from how Gabriel and Sanders were rotated through multiple units instead of developing chemistry with a consistent group. Both quarterbacks flashed potential in preseason action with Sanders posted 138 yards and two touchdowns in his lone start. While Gabriel threw for 143 yards with a pick-six. But Spears argues they were placed in a losing situation from the start.

“The one thing that bothers me is now, two weeks before the season, you’re telling one of these rookies they’re the backup,” Spears said. “But neither has had the reps with top receivers like David Njoku. If something happens to Flacco, you’re throwing them out there unprepared.”

While Cleveland's GM Andrew Berry and the rest of the front office may view its depth chart as a strength, Spears contends the strategy stunted the rookies’ growth. With Kenny Pickett injured and Deshaun Watson’s future uncertain, Gabriel and Sanders could be called on sooner than expected. Spears’ concern is that, because of Cleveland’s approach, they may not be ready when that time comes.

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

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