Kevin Stefanski beamed when talking about Shedeur Sanders’ preliminary NFL experience in July. The Browns’ head coach stated he’s “enjoying watching him grow with every single meeting” and added that “he continues to improve every single day.” That compliment, though, is tempered by reality regarding where Sanders is on the quarterback depth chart entering preseason Week 2.
The Browns released their unofficial depth chart on August 11, heading into Saturday’s game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia against the Eagles. It had Sanders as the No. 4 quarterback, after Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel. With Tyler Huntley and injured Deshaun Watson included. For all the hype surrounding Sanders’ debut, Cleveland’s decision suggests the coaching staff is prioritizing patience over pressure for the rookie.
Our unofficial depth chart for Week 2 of the preseason
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 11, 2025
The depth chart, brown feels, isn’t a reflection of Sanders’ ceiling but rather a roadmap for his development. By keeping him behind three more experienced passers, the Browns are creating space for the rookie to absorb the offense without being rushed into live NFL speed before he’s ready. “We’ll keep giving him opportunities,” Stefanski said earlier in camp.
This self-disciplined patience follows Cleveland’s previous handling of young quarterbacks. Letting them learn the system before requiring them to implement it under conditions of an actual game. This is a strategy designed to protect the player as well as the long-term investment of the organization.
The release of the unofficial depth chart wasn’t simply about quarterbacks. It gave a full view of the roster before the Browns’ Week 2 preseason game against the Eagles on Aug 16. But here in Cleveland, everybody’s still wondering how soon Shedeur Sanders can upgrade from that No. 4.
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