Browns HC Kevin Stefanski Shoots Down Shedeur Sanders Rumors: “He’s Not Getting First-Team Reps” 🏈

Browns’ Season in Trouble

The 2025 Cleveland Browns are struggling to find consistency. With a 2–5 record, the team has endured a chaotic season filled with quarterback changes and uncertainty. After starting the year with veteran Joe Flacco, the Browns entered the season with four quarterbacks on their roster. However, trades quickly reshaped the depth chart — Kenny Pickett and Flacco were both traded away, leaving rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders as the only options under center.

Despite fan excitement surrounding Sanders, it’s Gabriel who has earned the starting job, while Sanders remains the backup.

Stefanski Clarifies: Gabriel Is the Starter

At a recent press conference, head coach Kevin Stefanski directly addressed speculation that Shedeur Sanders might take over the starting role. He made it clear: Sanders is not getting first-team practice reps.

“With a young quarterback like Dillon starting, you want to make sure he gets as many reps as possible,” Stefanski explained. “It’s different when you have a veteran like Joe [Flacco].”

Stefanski emphasized that Sanders isn’t being ignored — he continues to get work during various practice periods — but the focus right now is firmly on developing Gabriel.

“Shedeur is still getting reps in a bunch of periods,” Stefanski added. “He’s learning and growing, just like any young player.”

Sanders’ Role and Development

For the first five games of the season, Shedeur Sanders was listed as the emergency third quarterback. In the last two weeks, however, he’s been upgraded to the backup role, a sign of gradual progress.

Since his promotion, Sanders has shared scout team reps with practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe. Stefanski also mentioned that Sanders, along with other rookies, takes part in post-practice development sessions, giving them extra opportunities to learn the system.

While fans continue to clamor for the son of Hall of Famer Deion “Prime Time” Sanders to see game action, the Browns appear committed to patience and structure.

Dillon Gabriel’s Opportunity

With Flacco gone and Gabriel now the full-time starter, the rookie has shown flashes of potential. Since taking over, the Browns have gone 1–2, including a dominant 31–6 win over the Miami Dolphins, where Gabriel earned his first victory as an NFL starter.

So far this season, Gabriel has completed 59.8% of his passes for 546 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers may not jump off the page, but considering his inexperience, they suggest promise — and Stefanski clearly believes in his upside.

The head coach’s plan is to give Gabriel every possible repetition, allowing him to develop rhythm and confidence rather than splitting time between two young passers.

Stefanski’s Long-Term Vision

Kevin Stefanski has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s more methodical and development-focused coaches. His offensive systems are structured, and he’s known for tailoring game plans to his players’ strengths.

Now, he faces a unique challenge: developing two rookie quarterbacks simultaneously — a rare situation in the NFL.

By committing to Gabriel as the starter and slowly grooming Sanders behind him, Stefanski aims to avoid the pitfalls of rushing a young quarterback into action before he’s ready.

“Reps matter,” Stefanski noted. “Every snap a young quarterback takes — whether it’s in practice, scout team, or post-practice — helps build the foundation.”

The Shedeur Sanders Factor

Part of the public fascination with Sanders comes not only from his college career but also from his family name. As the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur entered the league with immense media attention and expectations.

Before the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders was projected by many analysts as a first-round pick, but he slid down the board, creating a narrative of underestimation and redemption. His presence in Cleveland has added intrigue — and pressure.

Every move, every comment, every hint of potential playing time sparks debate among fans and media alike. Yet Stefanski has made it clear: development comes before headlines.

Looking Ahead

The Browns’ offense is still a work in progress, but Stefanski’s approach reflects a long-term mindset. Rather than react to outside pressure or social media hype, he’s building from within — focusing on growth, structure, and discipline.

If Dillon Gabriel continues to show promise, Cleveland might have found their next franchise quarterback. And if Shedeur Sanders learns and develops under Stefanski’s patient eye, his time will come — but not before he’s ready.

For now, the message is simple: Dillon Gabriel is the starter. Shedeur Sanders is learning. The Browns are building.

Conclusion

Cleveland’s 2025 season may be filled with growing pains, but Kevin Stefanski’s vision remains clear — stability, development, and preparation for the future.

As the Browns continue to navigate their struggles, one thing is certain: Shedeur Sanders’ story in Cleveland is only beginning.

He may not be getting first-team reps today, but in the unpredictable world of the NFL, opportunity often arrives faster than expected.