Shedeur Sanders Confident About Making Browns’ Roster Despite Struggles

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders expressed confidence in making the Cleveland Browns’ 53-man roster despite a rocky performance in Saturday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Sanders started the second half and completed just 3 of 6 passes for a mere 14 yards, while being sacked five times. He managed to lead the Browns to only one first down in five series during the game.

After the team’s 19-17 victory, Sanders answered defiantly when asked if he believes he will make the final roster. “Obviously,” he said. “I think, overall as a player, I’ve put in the work. I feel like everything I do, I try to do it to my best, and that’s all I can ask for.”

Players often feel a sense of belonging on their teams, and Sanders reflected this sentiment. “If you ask anybody on the team, would they feel like they belong — they belong in their own eyes. I feel like I do, but I’m my own player,” he added, recognizing the competition he faces.

As a fifth-round pick in this year’s NFL draft, Sanders is part of a crowded quarterback room alongside veterans like Joe Flacco and fellow rookies Tyler Huntley and Dillon Gabriel. The NFL’s deadline for teams to finalize their rosters is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, adding to the urgency for Sanders and his peers.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry noted that keeping multiple quarterbacks is “not much of a decision,” indicating a positive outlook on the team’s quarterback depth. “We have a room that we like all the guys in there. We don’t really see that as a problem. We see it more as an opportunity,” Berry told NFL Network.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has confirmed that fellow rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, who did not play due to a hamstring injury, should be available for Week 1.

Despite the rocky outing, Sanders showcased his potential in earlier preseason games, which helped strengthen his case for a spot on the roster. He remained optimistic about proving himself, stating, “You just want to make a spark. You want to make something happen.”

While Sanders faced challenges during Saturday’s game, including taking a notable 24-yard sack when he scrambled instead of throwing the ball away, he maintained that rookie growing pains are part of the game. “It’s part of being a rookie,” Flacco commented. “You’re going to get thrown into situations that maybe you don’t think are ideal.”

With the roster cuts approaching, the Browns will need to decide how many quarterbacks they can keep and who will fill the available slots. The anticipation continues as Sanders prepares for the final verdict.