Shedeur Sanders to finally take over as Cleveland Browns QB? NFL insiders reveal timeline, say 'they want to see what he's got'

The Cleveland Browns may be inching toward a quarterback change — and not just any swap, but one that could bring rookie Shedeur Sanders under center before the 2025 season wraps. According to multiple sources inside the organization, there's growing internal momentum to give the former Colorado standout meaningful snaps down the stretch.

With starting quarterback Gabriel struggling and the offense in need of a jolt, Cleveland appears ready to evaluate the rookie sooner rather than later. How soon remains the real question — and the answer may depend on how the next few weeks shake out.

Sources point to a late-season debut – but that could change fast

Longtime Browns insider Tony Rizzo shared new behind-the-scenes intel that has fans buzzing. According to Rizzo, there’s already a tentative plan in place to hand the reins to Sanders during the final stretch of the season — unless Cleveland suddenly turns things around.

"I was told by two different sources yesterday at the stadium. One said Shedeur will start the last four games of the season no matter what, unless the Browns win every game through the Titans week.

Shedeur will play the Bears, Bills, Steelers, and Bengals. They want to see what he's got. Another person said he could be in play earlier than that." That four-game window gives the Browns a solid opportunity to assess Sanders against AFC North competition and playoff-caliber defenses — a crucial test for any rookie QB.

But Rizzo’s second source hints the team might not wait that long, especially if Gabriel’s rocky play continues to hurt the team’s momentum.

Kevin Stefanski working closely with Sanders as pressure builds

Internally, there’s mounting proof that Sanders is being groomed for a bigger role. Team sources say he’s been getting extra on-field work during practice, particularly with head coach Kevin Stefanski — a sign that the staff is accelerating his development. Even veteran defensive leader Myles Garrett has taken notice of the added attention.

“He’s seen the two collaborating during practice sessions,” one report noted, confirming Stefanski is taking a hands-on role in fine-tuning Sanders’ mechanics.

The Sanders family reacts, and the QB buzz gets louder

The chatter surrounding Sanders’ potential debut isn’t just limited to the locker room. His family has felt the tension, too — and they’re not afraid to be blunt about the challenges ahead. In a video shot outside Acrisure Stadium, Shedeur’s brother, Shilo Sanders, asked their mother, Pilar Sanders, if she’d be willing to attend a Browns game alongside Deion Sanders — Shedeur’s father — to support his push for the starting job.

Her reply was, “Honey, you’re never getting in.”Also read: Running Back Jahmyr Gibbs dominates with explosive game as Detroit Lions crush Tampa Bay Buccaneers, climb closer to playoffsIt’s unclear if the comment was sarcastic or frustrated, but it shows there’s still uncertainty about Shedeur’s place among Cleveland’s quarterbacks. Even with his big name and strong college career, he’s not seen as a top option — at least not yet. Still, some people are starting to push for a change. FOX Sports’ Skip Bayless was direct about how much he thinks Sanders could help the Browns’ offense.