The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback roster is changing with the departure of Joe Flacco. What does this mean for Shedeur Sanders?

The quarterback situation at the Cleveland Browns has changed fundamentally once again. A week after head coach Kevin Stefanski benched veteran Joe Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel, Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Cincinnati Bengals were looking for reinforcements after Joe Burrow’s injury and Jake Browning’s rather poor performances. The 40-year-old is coming to Cincinnati for a fifth-round pick, where Brett Rypien will have to leave to make room for the newcomer. In addition, a sixth-round pick is moving from Cleveland to Cincinnati.

This is a deal that will have an impact on both AFC North teams in many ways. But how will the trade affect rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders?

Shedeur Sanders moves up

Traded as a first-round pick, Sanders experienced a significant drop in the draft, falling to the fifth round before being selected by the Browns at position 144.

Behind Flacco and Gabriel, who was drafted ahead of him, Sanders initially started the season as the number three playmaker. One thing is already clear: with the departure of the veteran, Sanders is likely to move up one position in the depth chart and is now the backup to starting QB Gabriel. The two rookies are currently the only playmakers in the Browns’ 53-man roster. That means if Gabriel gets injured or has problems, Sanders will make his debut in the best football league in the world.

Even before the trade, it seemed unlikely that Sanders would see any action this season. Now, the chances of that have increased dramatically, as Stefanski can no longer rely on Flacco.

It will be exciting to see whether the Browns will make another move at the most important position in football, as with two rookies, the team is ultimately as inexperienced as can be. This would be entirely possible. Bailey Zappe, who has already started in nine NFL games, is currently on the practice squad. He could be promoted.

More training sessions

Promotion to the second string usually means more training sessions, which are invaluable for a player’s development.

Until now, Flacco and Dillon, as starter and backup, received the lion’s share of playing time in training to prepare for the next game.

Sanders now has the opportunity to improve his skills and build a better relationship with the receivers on the team. This is very important if he is to be used for the first time.

A vote of confidence

It may be a minor aspect, but the Flacco trade shows that the Browns’ management trusts the playmakers on the roster – and that includes Sanders.

If they had had reservations about using two rookies, they could have kept Flacco instead of acquiring a mediocre pick on the third day of the NFL Draft.

Incidentally, the rookie duo will face their first real test this coming Sunday. In week six, the Pittsburgh Steelers and superstar Aaron Rodgers await them at 7 p.m.