Shedeur Sanders sees ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ in Browns QB battle

The big quarterback trade between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns has shaken up each team’s depth chart and it means an opportunity may be closer for Shedeur Sanders.

A rare interdivision trade was made in the AFC North on Tuesday; the Browns sent out veteran Joe Flacco to the Bengals for a late-round draft pick swap. Flacco was benched last week by the Browns in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel, who had strong moments in the team’s loss to the Vikings.

Flacco has had some really good starts the last few years for several different teams, as he’s done a good job hanging onto the NFL. That did not carry over to the start of this season, as he has struggled, but there have been bigger issues in Cincinnati, as Jake Browning has failed to spell the injured Joe Burrow.

The league’s carousel results in the Browns having just two rostered quarterbacks: rookies Gabriel and Sanders, which could pave the way for the former Colorado Buffaloes star to get a chance here soon.

“I’m in a great mental space overall,” Sanders said this week. “So I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure. … Whatever my role is here, I’m thankful. I’m happy just to do that.”

Sanders has yet to play in the NFL regular season, though he had some impressive showings in the preseason and during training camp. He may have actually made his first start last week, had he not turned down the Ravens during the NFL Draft. Baltimore started backup Cooper Rush for the injured Lamar Jackson during their loss to the Texans.

The Ravens’ interest in Sanders is one of many bizarre storylines that have bubbled up about the young hurler since turning pro. From speeding tickets to headline interviews, Sanders remains a flashpoint in the media and likely because of his incredibly famous father, Deion Sanders, the head coach of Colorado.

“We’re going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon’s ready for the game,” Sanders said. “Whatever that means. Each and every day, even when Joe was the starter, preparing the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there at any point in time. I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make then, I’m fine with.”

The most recent comment marks a shift in tone from the drama of Draft night until this point. No matter the attitude of whoever is involved, the talent in Shedeur is there.

Sanders was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year last fall for an awesome season where he ranked in the top 10 nationally in completion percentage (74%), passing yards (4,134) and touchdowns (37) while breaking Colorado school records for passing touchdowns, passing yards, consecutive games with a touchdown pass, quarterback rating and completion percentage. He had a surprising fall in the NFL Draft, pushing him to the Browns as the team’s second rookie quarterback.

In Sanders’ preseason start for the Browns against the Panthers, he went 14-for-23 with 138 yards and two TDs. He also added four rushes for 19 yards. The fifth-round pick exited in the third quarter as the Browns won 30-10.

Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees on Thursday, was complimentary of Sanders’ preparation.

“We’re looking for constant improvement throughout the season, and he’s done that,” Rees said. “I think you see the growth and the familiarity of the offense and what we’re asking of those guys. I think the level of preparation it takes week to week when you’re putting a new game plan together, that’s a learning curve for all rookies. So, I think he’s gotten more used to that, gotten up to speed, doing a nice job in his preparation and understanding what the game plan holds. And when he’s had his opportunities to go operate it, he’s done a nice job.”

Yet Sanders may not even move up the depth chart, as Cleveland could look to bring in a veteran behind Gabriel or promote Bailey Zappe from the practice squad. It’s all part of this strange situation of having two rookie quarterbacks, let alone all of the off-the-field buzz that comes with being a Sanders.

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