Former Browns Say Stefanski Sabotaging Shedeur Sanders’ Career Start | NFL Wires
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Ex‑Browns safety Tyvis Powell and others accuse Kevin Stefanski of mishandling rookie QB Shedeur Sanders, citing lack of first‑team reps and past patterns. Get the full breakdown on NFL Wires.
Introduction: A Career on Thin Ice
Questions are swirling around Kevin Stefanski and his development of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Former Browns players, including ex‑safety Tyvis Powell, allege that Stefanski is repeating past mistakes—denying top-tier opportunities to Sanders and potentially derailing his NFL future.
Powell Raises Alarm on Rep Restriction
Powell didn’t hold back on the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show. He argued that Sanders, despite a strong showing in OTAs (including nine touchdown passes), hasn’t taken any first-team snaps, while veterans and other rookies are seeing the field. That raises red flags, as Powell likened this to mishandled development with the Browns’ previous QB, Dorian Thompson‑Robinson.
“It was about the preparation that player received to be ready to play,” Powell said of DTR—but Sanders appears to be heading down the same path.
Past Mistakes Repeated
At least one Browns veteran openly compared Sanders’ current situation to DTR’s flawed rollout under Stefanski:
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No plan for rookie qbs: DTR was benched before he was ready, undermining his confidence.
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History repeating: Many believe Sanders is again being ignored or underprepared, despite talent and effort
What’s at Stake for Sanders
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Opportunity Cost: First-team reps in preseason or camp are critical for real-game progression.
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Confidence Impact: Players deprived of reps can question the organization’s belief in them.
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Long-Term Development: A stalled first year may hinder more than just this season—it could damage a career trajectory if not corrected early.
The Coaching Response
So far, Stefanski has publicly praised Sanders’s skill and attitude . Yet insiders suggest Sanders remains fourth on the depth chart, behind Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Joe Flacco—with no visible plan for progression.
NFL Wires’ Take
This is a pivotal moment. A coach’s handling of rookie QBs can define careers. If Stefanski wants Sanders to develop and earn trust, he needs to crowd the QB plan with reps, film study, and meaningful snaps. Otherwise, the Browns risk repeating the pattern: letting talent go untested.
Cleveland’s QB history demands action. For Sanders, the difference between clipboard and actual gameplay could spell the difference between success and squandered potential.
Conclusion: Dashboard Crossroads
Ex‑Browns voices like Powell’s are sounding the alarm: Shedeur Sanders is being sidelined before he can prove himself—and the blame lies with Kevin Stefanski’s developmental strategy. If the coach fails to adjust, Cleveland could watch another promising rookie fade before his prime arrives.
