The Cleveland Browns’ ongoing quarterback dilemma has once again sparked outrage among fans and analysts alike, but this time, the outrage feels justified. The team’s continued disregard for Shedeur Sanders—one of the most talented, poised, and NFL-ready young quarterbacks in the league—is becoming a glaring example of how poor evaluation and organizational politics can stall progress. The Browns’ decision to stick with Dillon Gabriel as their starting quarterback instead of giving Sanders the reins is not just questionable—it’s downright disrespectful to a player who’s shown all the qualities of a leader and winner.
Let’s call it like it is: Dillon Gabriel, despite his experience and confidence, has failed to prove that he’s capable of leading this Browns team to consistent success. His performances have been shaky, his reads inconsistent, and his decision-making under pressure unreliable. He has moments where he looks composed, but they are flashes, not foundations. In contrast, Shedeur Sanders has demonstrated maturity beyond his years, elite accuracy, and an understanding of the game that you simply can’t teach.
The Browns’ refusal to give Sanders the chance he deserves says more about the team’s internal dysfunction than it does about either quarterback’s raw ability. It’s about perception, politics, and fear of change. The organization seems locked into its old habits—rewarding the “safe” option rather than trusting the more talented and dynamic player. The “safe” option hasn’t worked for decades in Cleveland, and yet here we are again, watching potential rot on the bench.
Sanders isn’t just another young quarterback trying to find his footing; he’s a competitor who’s shown time and again that he can handle pressure, read defenses, and inspire those around him. Coming out of college, scouts praised his football IQ, his composure in big moments, and his laser accuracy. He has that rare mix of arm talent and mental sharpness that makes elite quarterbacks special. But what’s most impressive about Shedeur isn’t just his mechanics—it’s his mindset.
He carries himself with the confidence of someone who has been doubted his entire career and has learned to thrive in that space. From his time under Deion Sanders’ tutelage at Colorado, Shedeur grew up in an environment where excellence was the standard and excuses were not allowed. That kind of upbringing creates a quarterback with discipline, drive, and an unshakable belief in himself—all the traits Cleveland needs. Yet somehow, the Browns’ coaching staff and front office continue to look the other way.
It’s hard not to see this as a classic case of misjudging a player because of bias or fear. The NFL has a long history of underestimating quarterbacks who don’t fit the traditional mold or who carry the weight of being a “coach’s son.” In Shedeur’s case, the narrative around him—fueled by constant media attention due to his father’s fame—has unfairly shifted focus away from his actual skill set. Some see him as just a product of hype, but anyone who’s watched him play knows the truth: the kid can flat-out ball.
Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel has been given every chance to prove himself, and he continues to fall short. His stats are underwhelming, his arm strength limited, and his leadership often invisible in key moments. It’s not that he’s a bad player; it’s that he’s average. And in a league built around elite quarterback play, average simply isn’t enough. The Browns, a team desperate for an identity and stability at the most important position, can’t afford to keep settling for mediocrity.
Cleveland fans have suffered long enough through a carousel of quarterbacks that never quite deliver. From the Johnny Manziel experiment to the Baker Mayfield saga and beyond, the Browns have made one questionable decision after another when it comes to their signal callers. Now, with Shedeur Sanders waiting patiently for his shot, the organization has a chance to break that cycle—and they’re blowing it.
What makes this situation even more frustrating is that Sanders has done everything right. He’s shown professionalism in every interview, patience in the locker room, and dedication on the practice field. Reports out of training camp painted him as one of the most composed and consistent players in drills. His timing with receivers was sharp, his reads were quick, and his accuracy—particularly on intermediate throws—was exceptional. Players have reportedly rallied around him, admiring his confidence and calm demeanor. That’s leadership. That’s what a franchise quarterback looks like.
Gabriel, on the other hand, has struggled to command the locker room. Teammates respect his effort, sure, but respect and belief are two different things. Players can sense when their quarterback isn’t “the guy.” When Gabriel falters, heads drop. When Sanders steps in during practice or preseason reps, the energy changes. You can feel it. There’s a belief, an electricity that great quarterbacks bring—a belief that the team can win any game with that man under center. The Browns have that in Sanders, but they’re too blind or too stubborn to see it.
This decision goes beyond X’s and O’s; it’s about culture. The Browns have long been defined by playing it safe, afraid to trust youth, afraid to hand the keys to someone who might make mistakes while growing. But every great quarterback in history—from Patrick Mahomes to Josh Allen—was trusted before they were proven. Teams gave them room to develop, to learn through experience. That’s how greatness is forged. Sanders deserves that same opportunity.
If the Browns truly want to evolve as a franchise, they must start valuing performance and potential over politics and past decisions. Dillon Gabriel might know the playbook better right now, but football isn’t about memorization—it’s about execution, instinct, and leadership. Sanders checks every one of those boxes. His ability to stay cool under pressure, his awareness in the pocket, and his knack for making plays when things break down are all traits you can’t coach. They’re innate.
And yet, week after week, the Browns continue to trot out a quarterback who can’t move the chains when it matters most. The offense looks stagnant, the energy flat, and the fan base increasingly restless. The defense, which remains one of the league’s most talented units, continues to be overworked because the offense can’t sustain drives. This imbalance will break the team from within if something doesn’t change soon.
Shedeur Sanders deserves his shot—not because of his name, but because of his game. He’s earned it with his work ethic, his discipline, and his undeniable talent. Every time the Browns choose to ignore that, they’re not just disrespecting him—they’re disrespecting their fans, their players, and the very idea of building for the future.
