Shedeur Sanders’ shot at Browns QB1 faces unexpected twist in quarterback room

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback carousel continues to spin, as rookie Shedeur Sanders’ path toward becoming the starter appears more tangled than expected.

While the team sits at 2-6, much of the early buzz surrounded whether Sanders could replace Dillon Gabriel, who has gone 1-3 in his four starts with 702 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Gabriel’s limited production, averaging only 4.9 yards per attempt, hasn’t eased Cleveland’s concerns. Yet, according to Ashley Bastock of cleveland.com, Sanders’ chance at QB1 is now complicated by two other names in the mix — Bailey Zappe and Deshaun Watson.

Zappe, signed to the practice squad before the season, was elevated last week as Sanders recovered from a back injury.

“Bailey Zappe is there. He’s started a football game for them,” Bastock said on 92.3 The Fan. “You can never say never with this team and their quarterbacks.”

More: Dan Patrick says Dillon Gabriel tops Browns’ Shedeur Sanders as media hype reaches NFL-starter levels

Watson, recovering from two Achilles ruptures, remains on the physically unable to perform list but will be evaluated during the bye week.

“What if we come back from this bye week and they’re talking about opening his practice window?” Bastock added. “The reality is, they didn’t shut Deshaun Watson down for the entire year.”

Head coach Kevin Stefanski has emphasized that his focus remains on Gabriel for now, while Sanders works his way back from the injury that sidelined him before Week 8.

Deshaun Watson’s return clouds Browns’ quarterback decisionsDeshaun Watson’s situation continues to hover over the Browns’ long-term plans. Since arriving in Cleveland through a blockbuster trade in 2022, the former Pro Bowler has struggled to regain form, posting a 9-10 record with 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

His fully guaranteed $230 million contract has only deepened the team’s frustration, with owner Jimmy Haslam describing the deal as a “swing and miss.”

Financially, Cleveland benefits from Watson’s continued absence, receiving salary cap relief and insurance coverage while he stays on the PUP list. If the Browns activate him, those advantages vanish.

Should Watson insist he’s healthy, the team could face an uncomfortable decision — either add him to the active roster or release him, which would trigger a massive cap hit in 2026.

For now, the Browns’ best move may be keeping Watson sidelined to prevent further disruption. Still, as Bastock noted, “you can never say never” with Cleveland’s ever-chaotic quarterback room.

More NFL news:Bills looking to trade $24 million receiver ahead of trade deadline?Bills sign former Cowboys DT after Ed Oliver injuryMyles Garrett’s postgame comments reveal what makes Will Campbell tough to faceMyles Garrett’s historic 5-sack showcase not enough as Browns suffer heartbreaking 19-point loss