Terry Bradshaw's comments on Joe Flacco live to FOX speak volumes about Shedeur Sanders

NFL legend Terry Bradshaw has suggested that the Cleveland Browns should favour Dillon Gabriel over Joe Flacco, but notably left Shedeur Sanders out of the discussion. Despite almost leading the Browns to a surprise victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Flacco was handed the starting role even though two rookies were drafted. However, Gabriel is ahead of Sanders in the depth chart.

It seems unlikely that Sanders will get any game time this season, as the fifth-round pick from Colorado is viewed more as a developmental project. Yet, Bradshaw didn't mention Sanders when discussing quarterback options for the Browns.

Bradshaw believes that the Browns are not pleased with having Flacco as their starting quarterback this season. The 40-year-old signed a one-year contract this past offseason worth £2.95million, which could rise to £9.6 million with incentives.

"Cleveland are not happy. They got to go with Flacco - a 40-year-old quarterback," Bradshaw saidon FOX NFL Sunday. "Folks, I'm not a stats guy, I studied probably more than anybody here, and we know that. But since 1999 there have been 40 different starting quarterbacks in Cleveland. You show me a winning organisation, I'll show you a head coach who has a great quarterback. They don't have that in Cleveland.

"I think Dillon Gabriel, the third-round pick out of Oregon, is the answer. Maybe I thought Pickett was - they moved him out to Las Vegas with the Raiders. Cleveland, Flacco, I like Flacco but look for Dillon to come in early."

Flacco had an opportunity to orchestrate a game-winning drive for the Browns on Sunday, but he gave an interception to DJ Turner, which sealed the contest.

Flacco completed 31 of 45 passes for 291 yards and one touchdown, but delivered two interceptions against the Bengals.

Gabriel shone during his final campaign at Oregon and has secured the backup position ahead of Sanders.

Kenny Pickett was vying for the role, but was shipped to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sanders entered the 2025 NFL Draft as a predicted first-round selection, but tumbled to the fifth round.

The Browns ultimately chose the Colorado shot caller, but the timing of the selection raised eyebrows.

Amid speculation regarding his future, NFL insider Dianna Russini offered an update as the new campaign commenced.

"For all the football conspiracy theorists out there trying to decode the real reason the Cleveland Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders, here's the truth: There is no big secret," Russini said.

"The pick wasn't some master plan from ownership. It was GM Andrew Berry's call, rooted in his belief that Cleveland's coaching staff could bring out the best in Sanders and help him grow into an NFL quarterback.

"It will be a process, and the Browns want to keep developing him. However, don't plan on seeing the fifth-round rookie on the field this season unless things get really weird. Cleveland believes in Joe Flacco's experience and Dillon Gabriel's development as the backup."

This article first appeared on Mirror US.