Is Shedeur Sanders’ time in Cleveland already on the clock? The Browns just made a surprise move, signing veteran QB Bailey Zappe to their practice squad. While it’s common practice, could this be more than just depth, and what does it mean for the rookie’s NFL future?
The Cleveland Browns have made a strategic move to bolster their NFL Quarterbacks depth, signing veteran Bailey Zappe to their Practice Squad. This addition provides a seasoned, reliable option in the event of unforeseen circumstances impacting their current signal-callers, particularly offering an implicit insurance policy behind rookie Shedeur Sanders.
While Zappe’s arrival doesn’t immediately signal distress for Shedeur Sanders’ roster spot, as carrying a practice squad quarterback is standard procedure across the league, it nonetheless underscores the intense scrutiny surrounding the team’s third-string option. The move ensures the Cleveland Browns maintain ample flexibility in their most critical position.
Zappe, recently waived by the Chiefs, brings valuable NFL experience, having demonstrated his ability to step into a starting role if needed. His familiarity with coach Kevin Stefanski’s system likely played a significant factor in his decision to return, offering a level of immediate readiness that a developmental prospect might not.
The Browns’ quarterback depth chart is now solidified, with veteran Joe Flacco leading the charge, followed by Dillon Gabriel as the primary backup. Shedeur Sanders occupies the third-string role, with Zappe waiting in the wings on the practice squad, creating a robust, albeit complex, hierarchy.
The decision to elevate Dillon Gabriel, drafted two rounds before Sanders, to the number two spot highlights the team’s confidence in his progression and readiness to potentially replace Flacco, an event many anticipate will occur given the starter’s age. Coach Stefanski emphasized a comprehensive evaluation process in Gabriel’s ascent.
Shedeur Sanders endured arguably the most intensely scrutinized preseason of any fifth-round pick in recent NFL history. His performances sparked numerous debates and “hot takes” regarding his potential, the Cleveland Browns’ developmental approach, and whether he truly possesses NFL-caliber talent.
The addition of Bailey Zappe effectively puts further pressure on Shedeur Sanders to prove his mettle. While practice squad players are not immediate threats to active roster spots, Zappe’s presence means the team has a readily available veteran who can be elevated if Sanders fails to meet expectations or if injuries strike higher up the depth chart.
Ultimately, this strategic signing by the Cleveland Browns reflects a commitment to competitive depth at every position, especially at quarterback. It reinforces the ongoing evaluation process for all their NFL Quarterbacks, ensuring the team is prepared for any scenario as the season unfolds, with Shedeur Sanders’ development under a brighter spotlight than ever.
