Why Joe Flacco trade may not immediately be good news for Shedeur Sanders

Almost immediately after NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that the Cleveland Browns had agreed to trade veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for a 2026 fifth-round choice, some assumed Cleveland rookie Shedeur Sanders would be elevated to the QB2 spot beneath current starter and fellow first-year pro Dillon Gabriel.

Browns fans may want to pump the brakes regarding such expectations. 

Who is Cleveland's QB2 after Joe Flacco trade? 

As Browns reporter Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan pointed out, Cleveland could elevate Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's game at the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1). Considering how the Browns have handled Sanders, it's possible (if not likely) that Zappe will be Gabriel's primary backup when the 1-4 Browns play in Pittsburgh.

Zappe has experience playing in the offense run by Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. In January, Zappe started for Cleveland in what became a 35-10 Week 18 loss at the Baltimore Ravens. 

Why Browns could keep Shedeur Sanders as emergency third-string quarterback for now

Over the weekend, Rapoport shared that "the Browns want Sanders to be successful when he's out there" and "want him to do so with a game plan that is made for him to thrive." Rapoport also indicated that Stefanski and Co. don't want Sanders to be "forced into action" running a game plan meant for Gabriel. 

Nothing has occurred since then to indicate the Browns' plans for Sanders changed following their 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London this past Sunday. Gabriel completed 19-of-33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns while Flacco served as Cleveland's QB2 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Week 5. 

According to Rapoport, "the expectation is that Sanders will play at some point this season when he's ready" after he receives "a full week of practice and a game plan built for him." Thus, fans shouldn't be shocked if Sanders is no closer to playing against a live defense on the afternoon of Oct. 7 than he was when he silently responded to questions about his status last week.