Shedeur Sanders

The fanbase of the Cleveland Browns is growing restless — and they’re increasingly vocal in their plea to see rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders under center.

Their message to head coach Kevin Stefanski: “Please let him play.” What follows is a look at the situation, what has fueled the voices of discontent, and where things stand.

Why the fans are leaning hard into Sanders

1. Rising hype + underdog story
   Sanders’ path to the NFL felt unconventional — he fell in the 2025 NFL Draft to the fifth round despite a standout season at Colorado Buffaloes (4,134 yards, 37 TDs) and being widely projected higher. (Reuters)

2. From that lens, many Browns fans see a talent being undervalued and want to see the team tap into that upside now.

3. Fan polling supports it
   A poll conducted by local outlets found that among Browns fans, nearly 60 % believed Sanders should be the second‐string quarterback. (SI)

4. That shows there’s substantial grassroots support for him not just eventually starting, but at least moving up quickly.

5. Scheme fit and positive evaluations
   Analysts like Dan Orlovsky have described Sanders as “custom-made” for Stefanski’s offense — pointing to his ability to process, work under center, and execute play-action. (Dawgs By Nature)

6. That narrative adds fuel: if he fits well, why hold him back?

Where Stefanski & the Browns stand

1. Depth chart decisions
   Despite the fan fervor, the Browns have kept Sanders behind both rookie Dillon Gabriel (their third‐round pick) and veteran backup options (such as Joe Flacco). (foxsports.com)

2. This has added to frustration: the mismatch between Sanders’ readiness (in fans’ eyes) and his playing time.

3. Coach’s public stance: development first
   Stefanski has repeatedly emphasized Sanders is “working hard,” “getting his work done,” and is a “great kid.” (CBS Sports)

4. But when pressed about elevating him or naming him QB2, he often deflects. For example:

   “We’re really just focused on developing our players …

   I’m pleased with where the guys are, but I’m not diving into competition.” (thelandondemand.com)

   That vagueness stokes skepticism.

5. Backlash and skepticism mounting
   Media voices and fans alike are asking whether the Browns really believe in Sanders’ future. Ryan Clark said:

   “If he’s not named the backup quarterback, it’s time to part ways.” (SI)
   That’s a sharp critique of how the organization is handling the situation.

What fans are saying

• “If you see the [quality of] quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that.” —

• Shedeur Sanders speaking himself, which fans cite as proof he’s ready mentally. (Reddit)

• On social media, one fan wrote about Stefanski:

• “The World is Watching! He is obviously lying. Fans want Shedeur!” after the coach dodged questions about the QB depth chart. (College Sports Network)

• Others are more raw: “Fire him now” was seen in fan forums after what some perceived as stovepiping Sanders’ development. (Gridiron Heroics)

The case for playing Sanders now

• Long-term upside over short-term patchwork:

• If the Browns believe they have a future starter in Sanders, it makes sense to give him reps now to accelerate development.

• Fan energy + marketability: He brings crowd appeal (he is the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders), which boosts team branding and engagement, especially in an era where quarterback storylines drive attention.

• Tactical fit: Analysts suggest he fits the system and has shown flashes in preseason. Give him real reps to see what he can become.

The case against immediate benching or starting

• Rookie growing pains: The transition to the NFL is tough for QBs.

• Even talented ones can struggle under pressure; the Browns may want to protect him from being exposed.

• Commitment to win: The Browns brought in veterans (Flacco, others) and a rookie Gabriel — indicating they may be looking to win now, not just develop for the future.

• Unclear evaluation metrics: If the staff doesn’t believe Sanders is ready, the optics aside, they might prefer to bring him along carefully.

My take: What I think should happen

Given everything, it seems the sensible middle-path for the Browns (and for Kevin Stefanski) is to elevate Sanders to a meaningful backup role immediately, and then give him periodic starts or heavy reps when viable. Here’s why:

• He clearly has the fan support and analytical backing. Letting that burn out is not wise.

• Keeping him third string or mostly inactive risks wasting his rookie timetable (especially because 2025 is already in progress).

• If Gabriel or the starter falter, Sanders needs to be ready. That means game reps now.

• The organization should publicly commit to a transparent plan: e.g.,

• “Sanders will be QB2 by Week X or will have taken Y snaps by mid‐season.” That addresses fan impatience and internal development.

• If they wait too long, the narrative shifts from “future starter” to “never developed,” which hurts both player and franchise.

The bottom line

Browns fans are desperately whispering (and shouting): “Please let him play.” They believe Shedeur Sanders isn’t just a project, but the future — and sooner rather than later.

The coach’s silence and the organization’s indecision have only amplified the calls.

Whether Stefanski chooses to accelerate or stay the cautious course, the pressure is mounting — and how the QB room is handled could define the franchise’s next few years.