The Cleveland Browns have added a new quarterback to the mix, which could potentially spell bad news for Shedeur Sanders.
The Browns have signed Bailey Zappe to the practice squad, making him the fourth quarterback on the roster. The Browns are familiar with Zappe, as he spent part of last season with the team and even started the season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. He completed 51% of his passes in that game for 170 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The Browns lost 35-10.
Zappe spent the preseason with the Kansas City Chiefs, completing 15 of 27 passes for 104 yards with two interceptions in three games. The Chiefs recently released Zappe.
The Browns functioned with six quarterbacks on their roster during training camp and the preseason, including Deshaun Watson. Cleveland traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders and released Tyler Huntley, who recently signed with the Baltimore Ravens practice squad.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Wednesday that Dillon Gabriel would be the primary backup to Joe Flacco. Sanders is expected to function as the third, emergency quarterback on game days. He’ll suit up but will not be able to enter the game unless Flacco and Gabriel are injured.
Browns Not ‘Sabotaging’ Shedeur Sanders
It’s unclear why the Browns feel they need a fourth quarterback on the roster and if it potentially threatens Sanders’ spot on the depth chart.
Sanders’ preseason finale was a struggle. He completed just three passes and was sacked five times before being pulled ahead of a potential game-winning two-minute drive. Instead, the Browns turned to Huntley for the opportunity.
“Obviously we didn’t play great as an offense in the second half. That’s never on one person,” Stefanski said. So we can be better in a bunch of areas and just felt like we wanted to give Snoop (Tyler Huntley) a last drive.
The decision generated some discourse, with some accusing the Browns of “sabotaging” Sanders. Stefanski pushed back against that sentiment.
“I don’t concern myself with outside type of things, but I’m committed to his development, just like all of our rookies,” Stefanski said. “So, we’ll continue to focus on getting our guys better, and that’s what we’ll stay committed to, and that’s what’s important to me.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Vows to Improve
Sanders stands out as the most polarizing No. 3 quarterback in the NFL. Following his rough preseason finale, he took to social media to promise improvement and a renewed focus moving forward.
“Thanks everyone for the (love) and support. There’s a lot to learn from this preseason, but I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be out there,” Sanders said. “Day by day, rep by rep, I’ll keep learning and getting better.”
Although Sanders currently sits third on the depth chart, he could still see action this season. The Browns face pressure to evaluate both of their rookie quarterbacks, especially with an eye toward the future. Leaning on Flacco, 40, may steady the team in the short term, but Cleveland holds two first-round picks next year and must begin planning for its long-term answer at quarterback.
The Browns will open their regular season on Sept. 7 at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Browns Put Shedeur Sanders on Notice With QB Signing