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On Monday, Robert Griffin III, a former NFL quarterback, shared his thoughts on the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation, suggesting they should trade either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel. He emphasized the need for the franchise to designate one of these young talents as their future leader.
Griffin, who once played for the Browns, expressed concerns over how the team utilized Sanders and Gabriel during the final preseason game. He pointed out that Sanders was placed in a challenging scenario, playing alongside teammates who were low on the depth chart, and did not have the chance to execute the two-minute drill in the final moments of the match. Meanwhile, Tyler Huntley was used and subsequently released the next day.
“The Cleveland Browns need to trade either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel,” Griffin stated during an appearance on the podcast ‘Outta Pocket.’ “Currently, they foster a toxic environment surrounding their quarterback situation, hindering growth for both players. They must choose one of them to be the quarterback of the future; otherwise, it risks compromising their development.”
Griffin highlighted the implications of having both quarterbacks on the roster. He noted that the Browns traded up to secure Gabriel in the third round and then drafted Sanders in the fifth round after some experts had projected him to be a top-tier pick. This led to an odd predicament, where the fan favorite was the fourth-string option, a result of how the team’s decisions shaped the narrative.
“The moment you traded up for Dillon Gabriel, and then selected Shedeur Sanders, you created a high-pressure environment where the spotlight is on two players competing for the same role,” Griffin explained. “As a result, you have fans rallying behind a fourth-string player, complicating the dynamics further.”
Griffin expressed skepticism about whether either quarterback was being positioned for success within the current structure of the organization.
The selection of Gabriel in the third round followed his impressive performance during his college career at Oregon, where he tied the record for the most touchdown passes in FBS history with 155. On the other hand, Sanders was drafted after slipping to the fifth round, despite many believing he should have been a first-round pick based on his skills and gameplay.
“Neither Shedeur Sanders nor Dillon Gabriel seem to be set up for success at this point based on how things are unfolding,” Griffin remarked. He noted Gabriel’s strong execution during the last preseason game, executing a two-minute drill effectively, while Sanders was not given the same opportunity. Griffin critiqued the decision-making process of the coaching staff, stating that it appeared detrimental to both quarterbacks.
During the game, Griffin observed that Shedeur Sanders was put in a challenging situation, playing against players from the lower tiers of the depth chart while also missing the chance to demonstrate his abilities in crucial game situations.
Griffin stated, “Even if Sanders had performed exceptionally in that two-minute drill, it would not have changed his standing on the roster. I question why he wasn’t given the chance to compete in a crucial moment, especially after Gabriel had an opportunity to do so.”
This sentiment echoed Griffin’s belief that the coaching staff, particularly Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, made critical errors in assessing their quarterbacks. Griffin expressed disappointment that Sanders wasn’t allowed to showcase his skills in competitive scenarios that mattered.
Acknowledging the unique pressures surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Griffin commented on the attention he has garnered, primarily due to his lineage as the son of legendary Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders. Although Griffin noted Sanders’ high-profile background, he affirmed that the young quarterback earned his merits through hard work, especially while at Jackson State and Colorado, where he played influential roles in program development.
Griffin lamented the lack of opportunities given to Sanders, saying he had proved himself in earlier preseason games, including throwing two touchdown passes that should have justified more playing time. Yet, Sanders remained burdened by the depth chart placement instead of being afforded the chance to compete.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the team’s quarterback depth, the Browns did make a trade later on Monday, though it did not involve either Sanders or Gabriel. Instead, they traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick for 2026. The current outlook suggests that both Sanders and Gabriel will remain on the roster, serving as backups behind veteran quarterback Joe Flacco.
As the season approaches, the pressure is on the Browns to make a definitive decision regarding their quarterback strategy. With fans eager for clarity amidst the chaos, the organization must navigate the complexities of its roster and foster an environment conducive to growth for Sanders and Gabriel
In what promises to be a compelling football season ahead, stakeholders will be observing closely how the Browns handle their quarterback conundrum and whether they can cultivate the untapped potential within their roster.
