Bailey Zappe Over Shedeur? The Browns Have Officially Lost It

At this point, I’m convinced Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns are running an open mic night instead of an NFL franchise, because some of these decisions sound like bad comedy.

Let’s keep it all the way real. You trade Joe Flacco to Cincinnati for a fifth-round pick. Cool, whatever, no love lost.

You got your young guy Dillon Gabriel stepping in as QB1. Fine. Fresh start, new chapter.

But to sit in front of a mic and say you’re “noncommittal” about Shedeur Sanders being QB2?

Nah, that’s not coaching; that’s confusion.

And Bailey Zappe is the other option? Man, please. Bailey Zappe been bouncing around more than a club promoter on payday. We’ve seen that story already — nothing new, nothing exciting, nothing that screams “future.”

Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders has been sitting there, locked in, humble, ready, waiting for his number to get called. By all accounts, he’s been every bit the professional — Jerry Jeudy and Myles Garrett said it themselves.

Dude’s in the film room, doing what the coaches ask, staying prepared. But somehow, that’s still not enough to earn the QB2 nod behind a rookie?

Make it make sense.

You can’t tell me this isn’t personal. You can’t tell me Shedeur’s being treated like just another 5th-round pick — not when he’s got NFL blood, college production, and poise.

This feels deeper. It feels like a message.

The Browns keep talking about “player development,” but how are you going to develop somebody you won’t even let off the bench?

That’s like saying you believe in an artist but won’t let them touch the mic.

This is what happens when ego meets indecision, and it’s sad to watch, because Shedeur’s done everything right. His pops, Coach Prime, even handled it with class, saying, “I love me some Shedeur, but I’m a coach trying to win games.” 

Translation: Cleveland, if you don’t want him, say that. But stop playing with the man’s career.

Let’s be real — the Browns don’t exactly have a history of getting quarterback decisions right. From Baker to Johnny to Deshaun’s contract circus, this organization has been fumbling QB situations since flip phones were hot.

And here they are again, holding another L — not on the scoreboard, but in development, in leadership, and in culture.

Because this right here isn’t just about football — it’s about respect. It's about how young Black quarterbacks are still being doubted, even after proving they belong.

And if Stefanski keeps playing this “wait and see” game, don’t be surprised when Shedeur ends up somewhere else lighting it up, and the Browns are, once again, sitting around saying, “We should’ve kept him.”

Stop playing politics, Cleveland.

Play the kid.

Let Shedeur cook.