Shedeur Sanders: A Controversial Presence on the Browns’ Roster

Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns’ third-string quarterback, has recently come under scrutiny for his apparent lack of involvement in team practices. Reports suggest that rather than actively participating, Sanders has been spotted observantly sitting out during crucial scout team drills.

Lack of Scout Team Participation

Tony Rizzo from ESPN Cleveland recently commented on his show, revealing that Sanders has not been engaged in running the scout team and is primarily watching from the sidelines:

“I’m hearing Shedeur is not even running the scout team; he’s literally watching everyone. Bailey Zappe’s running the scout team. I don’t know if that’s true, but that’s what I’m hearing.”

This situation raises a pivotal question: Why is Sanders on the roster if he isn’t being utilized in practice?

The Roster Conundrum

The Browns have chosen to utilize Bailey Zappe, a more experienced fourth-year veteran, over Sanders for scout team duties, particularly as they prepare for their upcoming match against Lamar Jackson. In their previous game, the Browns faced Joe Burrow, a traditional pocket passer, and now they are gearing up for a dual-threat quarterback in Jackson.

Understanding the Role of a Third-String Quarterback

In typical NFL teams, the starting quarterback and the backup are often the focus during practice. In the case of the Browns, Joe Flacco serves as the starter, with rookie Dillon Gabriel backing him up. This leaves Sanders as the potential candidate for scout team responsibilities, which could be crucial for emulating opposing quarterbacks.

Third-String Quarterback Responsibilities:

• Conducting Scout Team Drills: Mimicking the opposing quarterback’s style and plays.
• Observational Learning: Gaining insights from watching starters and backups in practice.
• Preparation for Game Day: Staying ready for potential opportunities during the game.

Performance Context

Sanders has sparked dialogue among fans and analysts alike, yet his preseason performance was a mixed bag. His debut drew attention, but the Browns opted to keep Gabriel, a third-round pick, ahead of Sanders, who was a fifth-round selection.

Despite his challenges, Sanders remains a highly discussed player, possibly ranking alongside former Giants backup Tommy DeVito in the realm of buzzworthy third-string quarterbacks.

Merchandising Impact

Interestingly, the lack of action on the field hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm surrounding Sanders. According to NFLPA sales data, he had the fifth-best-selling jersey from March 1 to July 31, 2023. This figure places him ahead of notable rookies like Colorado teammate Travis Hunter and just behind well-established stars like Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts.

Key Takeaways:

• Enduring Popularity: Despite limited playtime, fans are still inclined to support Sanders.
• Market Appeal: His jersey sales indicate a strong following, underscoring his potential impact on the Browns’ marketing strategy.
• Future Prospects: Questions loom over Sanders’ role and performance as he navigates his journey within the NFL.

Conclusion

Shedeur Sanders remains a polarizing figure on the Cleveland Browns. While his presence on the roster has generated discussion, his off-field activities during practices raise questions about his future and role within the team. Will he eventually carve out a position for himself, or will he remain an enigmatic figure riding the bench? Only time will tell.