Shedeur Sanders Struggles in Browns’ Preseason Finale: What It Means for His NFL Future

Shedeur Sanders’ journey into the NFL took a tough turn during the Cleveland Browns’ final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams. The rookie quarterback, who once showed strong promise, had a performance that left many wondering whether he’s ready for the NFL spotlight—at least for now.

The highly anticipated game saw Sanders battling not just the opposing defense but also the mounting expectations that followed him since being drafted. While earlier performances hinted at potential, his showing against the Rams was far from what fans and analysts had hoped.

How did Shedeur Sanders perform against the Rams?

In five offensive drives, Shedeur Sanders completed just 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards. Most concerning was the number of times he was sacked—five in total. While not all of those were his fault, some were clearly the result of poor reads or delayed decision-making. Sanders appeared uncomfortable in the pocket and struggled to maintain rhythm.

This was a sharp contrast from his earlier preseason appearance, where he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. That game had many praising his poise, arm strength, and ability to read the defense. Unfortunately, the finale offered none of those glimpses.

Despite the disappointment, it’s important to acknowledge that preseason performances don’t always reflect long-term potential. Quarterbacks have off days, and offensive cohesion during preseason games is often unreliable. Still, it was a missed opportunity to solidify his spot on the Browns’ depth chart.

What does this mean for Sanders’ future with the Browns?

The Browns’ quarterback room is now more competitive than ever. Veteran Joe Flacco has been confirmed as the starter for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, rookie Dillon Gabriel had a strong showing throughout the preseason and was particularly effective in the finale, sealing his status as a likely backup.

Sanders, on the other hand, now finds himself in a more precarious position. His uneven preseason campaign and inconsistency in high-pressure moments may result in limited opportunities during the regular season. However, his early flashes of talent still suggest untapped potential.

It’s also worth noting that Sanders has garnered respect in the locker room and the local community. His off-field leadership, including organizing support for families affected by local crises, reflects the kind of character teams value. That, combined with his raw athletic ability, might be enough for the Browns to retain him for further development.

Why Shedeur Sanders deserves patience and perspective

There’s been considerable debate over whether Sanders is being unfairly scrutinized due to his father, Deion Sanders. Some believe league biases may have played a role in his draft position, while others argue he’s simply not ready for professional-level competition yet.

Regardless of those theories, the NFL remains a performance-driven league. Sanders will need to prove—on the field—that he belongs. If he can build consistency and rebound in practices and possible future appearances, there’s still a path forward. He’s shown what he’s capable of; now he needs to show he can sustain it.

For your information:

1. How did Shedeur Sanders play against the Rams?
   Sanders completed 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards and was sacked five times during the game.

2. Is Shedeur Sanders still on the Browns roster?
   As of now, yes. He is expected to remain with the team, though his exact role is yet to be finalized.

3. Who is starting quarterback for the Browns in 2025?
   Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has been confirmed as the starter for the season.

4. Did Dillon Gabriel outperform Shedeur Sanders?
   Yes. Gabriel had a more consistent and productive preseason, likely earning him the backup role.

5. Is Shedeur Sanders still considered a future NFL talent?
   Despite a rough finale, Sanders’ early performance and leadership suggest potential for long-term development.