The Cleveland Browns are in a difficult position, struggling to find a consistent quarterback to lead them through the season. Their defense, led by Miles Garrett, is strong, but the lack of a reliable quarterback has held the team back. In a recent trade, the Browns acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, which has created an opportunity for Shadour Sanders to move up the depth chart from QB3 to QB2.

Shadour Sanders, who was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round, has faced scrutiny since his draft day, with many speculating that his connection to his famous father, Deion Sanders, played a role in his fall in the draft. Despite this, Sanders has shown promise, impressing during his college years at Jackson State and Colorado. His confidence, however, has sometimes been viewed as a liability, leading to unnecessary attention from the media and critics alike.

Deion Sanders, in his usual unapologetic manner, recently addressed the trade and his son’s position. He made it clear that while he supports Shadour, his primary focus is on his own team, the Colorado Buffaloes. He emphasized that he’s not concerned with what the Browns do, stating that they have their own business to handle. This response is seen as a smart and calculated move, allowing Shadour to focus on his development without any external distractions or pressures from his father.

Shadour’s new role as the QB2 means he’s now just one injury or bad performance away from stepping in as the starting quarterback for the Browns. The opportunity could come sooner rather than later, as Cleveland’s struggles with quarterbacks have been well-documented. The Browns have cycled through multiple quarterbacks, and with Joe Flacco now out of the picture, they have to put their faith in the young quarterbacks, namely Dylan Gabriel and Shadour.

However, the timing of this promotion is crucial. While Dylan Gabriel, another rookie quarterback, has had a promising start in his limited appearances, Shadour Sanders is still viewed as the long-term future for the Browns. His ability to take control of the game in a way that Gabriel may not be ready to do yet could be what the team needs. Still, there are questions about how the Browns have managed the situation so far—why was Shadour not promoted sooner, especially with the team’s struggles at quarterback?

Shadour Sanders, despite his confidence, needs to realize that the spotlight on him will only intensify as his role grows. He must balance his bravado with a strong focus on his development. The NFL is a different beast, and he has to be prepared for the pressures that come with being Deion Sanders’ son. That said, his skills and football IQ are undeniable, and if given the chance, he could prove to be a valuable asset for the Browns.

Looking forward, it’s likely that we’ll see Shadour in meaningful games later in the season—probably around weeks 13 or 14—when the Browns are likely to be out of playoff contention. This gives them the perfect opportunity to see what they have in the young quarterback. For now, the fans will continue to clamor for his opportunity, and when the time comes, they’ll expect him to deliver. If he does, the NFL will quickly know that he’s more than just Deion Sanders’ son. He’s a quarterback in his own right, ready to make his mark in the league.