1. Context: Crowded QB Room & Installation Phase 🏈
The Browns entered this offseason with a loaded quarterback room: veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, rookie Dillon Gabriel (3rd-round), and Shedeur Sanders (5th-round). Former starter Deshaun Watson remains sidelined due to an Achilles injury
Stefanski emphasized that the team is deep into offseason installation, not game prep. He said, “Let’s not look too much into who’s out there and when… we’re in our installation phase… once you get into training camp… then you’re getting ready to play games… but right now that’s not our focus” . In short: early reps aren’t a reflection of long-term depth chart.
2. Why Sanders Gets No First-Team Reps—For Now
a) Rotational Equity
At Rochester’s rookie minicamp, reps were rotated. Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel took first-team snaps; Sanders worked with the second team Stefanski clarified this was standard—just part of giving all quarterbacks a fair look during early drills
b) Experience & Draft Positioning
Gabriel, drafted in the third round and with more college tape from UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, understandably received initial attention . Sanders slipped to Round 5—meaning coaching staff may feel he needs to earn reps through consistency in practice
c) Offseason Teaching Focus
Stefanski reinforced that the period is for teaching—technique, terminology, decision-making. The heavy lift on installing the offense needs calm, measured reps with vets leading
3. Sanders’ Strong Performance, but Patience Is Key
Despite missing first-team snaps, Sanders’ performance has been excellent:
- He topped completion rates: 10/12 for two TDs on Day 1, and 8/9 with another TD on Day 2
- Stefanski praised both rookies—calling their on-field work “as advertised” and noting strong accuracy
Additionally, standout defensive end Myles Garrett noted Sanders and co. look “calm” in meetings and drills, offering advice for them to keep earning trust day by day
4. What’s Next—Training Camp & Beyond
a) Training Camp as True Evaluation
Stefanski has been clear: real evaluation begins in training camp, not in OTAs or minicamps. The complexity of the offense demands full-slide camp to truly assess each QB’s game-readiness .
b) Possible Roster Moves
With four QBs plus Watson, the Browns may trade or cut a veteran or rookie to streamline reps. Speculation exists that Pickett or Flacco could be moved before camp starts
c) Competition Heating Up
Though Flacco and Pickett are early front‑runners, analysts note that Shedeur’s accuracy, poise, and star potential could earn him more visibility—potentially working into reps by Week 8 or later
5. Coaching Strategy: Avoiding Early Judgments
Stefanski’s reluctance to assign early snaps is deliberate:
- He’s resisting making depth chart assumptions prematurely.
- By focusing on fundamentals, he’s ensuring Sanders develops comfort and precision before facing first-team pressure.
Stefanski’s past behavior suggests he prefers gradual integration. Just because a rookie sits early doesn’t mean he’s not in the competitive mix.
6. Bottom Line: Zero Reps ≠ Zero Opportunity
- Early reps = teaching. Not a strike against Sanders.
- Performance so far = impressive. Top completion metrics and solid practice presence.
- Training camp is the battleground. That’s where roles will be cemented.
Sanders’ offseason has been textbook: consistent growth, strong technique, steady composure. As Stefanski said: “We’re so far away from that type of thought process… Once you get into training camp… then you’re getting ready for games”
Looking Ahead
- Minicamp/OTAs: Installation, technique, system understanding.
- Training Camp: Competitive reps, depth-chart moves, roster decisions.
- Preseason: Final auditions, performance under pressure.
- Regular Season: Starter choice—possibly Flacco or Pickett, but door remains open for rookies.
For Sanders, the key is consistency and patience. His offseason performance shows promise, yet the path to first-team snaps—and a potential Week 1 opportunity—starts in earnest with training camp drills and preseason play.
