Coach stays silent, even as Shedeur Sanders steals the spotlight with a dazzling debut

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski did not provide much clarity on Shedeur Sanders’ future role with the team following his breakout performance in Friday night’s preseason quarterfinal.

Sanders became the talk of the sports world with two touchdown passes against the Panthers, earning praise from LeBron James and other sports stars, including South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley.

But Stefanski did not say whether the performance would lead to Sanders getting a promotion on the depth chart. Sanders currently sits at fourth, behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.

Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns quarterback, throws against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Scott Kinser/USA Today Network via Imagn)

“We need to get through the next few days from an injury standpoint and see where everyone is at,” Stefanski told reporters Saturday when asked about Sanders’ role.

“I’m really focused on the development of all our quarterbacks and how important each of those reps were last night. So that’s really where my focus is more than anything.”

Stefanski added that Sanders could "clean up" some aspects of his performance.

“We have a standard for that position—and really for every position—but certainly quarterback. There’s a standard we play with, the way we play, the way we operate, how we take care of the football, and things like that,” Stefanski said.

“There are things Shedeur can clean up, and he will. But overall, I thought the operation was really good, and it’s important when you have other guys in there.”

Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Meltdown Timeline

Stefanski’s comments drew criticism on social media from fans who felt Sanders deserved more praise for his performance.

“Getting Kevin Stefanski to praise Shedeur and not just the rookies or QBs in general is like pulling teeth,” one X user wrote.

Another user wrote, “Stop playing and name him the starter already.”

Despite throwing two touchdowns, Sanders was critical of his own performance on Friday.

“Did I play up to my standard? No, I don’t feel like I did,” Sanders said after the game. “But overall, the main goal was to win, and that’s what we did.

“I’m comfortable being uncomfortable, so it is what it is.”

Shedeur Sanders celebrates

Shedeur Sanders, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, celebrates a touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn)

Sanders addressed whether he feels like he has a fair shot at earning the starting job on Saturday.

“I just don’t overthink things because there’s nothing you can really control,” Sanders said. “The most you can do is, when you get your opportunity, when your number is called, perform—at least do the minimum—and win the game. That’s what I feel like we did today, and definitely things I can grow from.”

However, Sanders used his big night as a chance to confront one of his critics.

In a YouTube video posted by his brother, Deion Sanders Jr., Shedeur confronted Browns beat reporter Tony Grossi of ESPN at Bank of America Stadium. It wasn’t a hostile interaction, although Sanders was sarcastic with the reporter.

“Tony, I hope you have something positive to say about me,” Sanders told Grossi. “You only say negative things about me. And I’m like, ‘I didn’t do anything to you.’ I’ve never seen anything positive you’ve said.”

Grossi’s response wasn’t audible, but they shared a laugh afterward.

“What did I do? What would I even do to you?” Sanders said as he walked away.

The Browns will face the Philadelphia Eagles in their second preseason game next week, and Stefanski said Sanders will get significant reps.

Sanders fell to the 144th pick in this spring’s NFL Draft after scouts raised character concerns. Once considered a candidate for the No. 1 overall pick, he slipped through the first four rounds in one of the most shocking draft slides in NFL history, sparking confusion and debate among fans.

Shedeur Sanders walks off the field

Shedeur Sanders, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, walks off the field after minicamp in Berea, Ohio on May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Sanders' time with the Browns has not been without controversy, as he was cited twice for speeding.

He was first ticketed for allegedly driving 91 mph in a 65 mph zone. Two weeks later, he was reportedly caught going 101 mph in a 60 mph zone and failed to appear in court.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry criticized Sanders for the incidents last month.

“Not smart. Just not smart,” Berry told reporters about the tickets. “It’s something we’ve addressed with him. Look, he understands the implications. He understands the consequences. It’s not just about yourself. It’s not just for fun—it’s that you could hurt someone else.”