Setting up for Failure? Browns Cut 4 Offensive Linemen Who Were Blocking for Shedeur Sanders in Preseason Finale

Shedeur Sanders’ second appearance wasn’t up to par with his debut for the Cleveland Browns. The fifth-round rookie quarterback took sacks, fumbled the ball, and nearly lost his cool for being benched for Tyler Huntley with just two minutes remaining until the final whistle.

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Head coach Kevin Stefanski came under scrutiny for depriving Sanders of a shot at redeeming himself for his earlier mistakes.

Ironically, four of the five players in charge of protecting Sanders were cut the following day. Tackle Sebastian Gutierrez , Center Bucky Williams , Guard Javion Cohen , and Dartanyan Tinsley , including Huntley, will not feature in the Browns’ 53-man roster.

So, it begs the question: Did Stefanski set Sanders up to fail? Or saved him from further embarrassment?

Stefanski later clarified that he wanted to give Huntley one final chance before getting cut. Sanders’ status, on the other hand, was already secured, considering the Browns planned to keep all four quarterbacks with Joe Flacco leading the team in week one.

Shedeur Sanders explained his sideline reaction after being pulled from the Rams game

Sanders is a competitor. He kept his head down and grinded in the offseason despite being buried in the depth chart. When the chance arrived to prove himself, the 23-year-old delivered. He led the Browns to a win on his debut, throwing touchdowns.

Fans expected more of the same during his second appearance. However, they were disappointed with the steep drop-off in the distribution. The makeshift O-line had a rough time protecting Sanders. Instead of improving the protection, Stefanski opted to change quarterbacks.

Huntley took Sanders’ place under center. The Colorado U graduate was surprised by the decision because he seemed locked in to play until the final whistle.

After the game, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot caught up with Sanders and asked him if he had reacted differently after being taken out. He agreed, but at the same time explained that time is irreversible.

We don’t have the luxury to travel back in time… Of course, you wish you can [do things differently].

Shedeur Sanders said

Sanders wished he could have finished the game to lead the Browns to victory instead of Huntley.

In the heat of the battle, you want to be the alpha, you want to be the dog, you want to be out there in that final two-minute drive. Of course, small things frustrate, but that’s what happens when you want a player to be able to change a franchise.

Sanders only went for 3 completions from 6 for 14 yards passing in the game, a far cry from his 14 completions from 23 attempts for 138 yards (111.79 QBR) against the Panthers.

The Browns finished the preseason undefeated. It will be forgotten once the regular campaign starts. In week one, the Browns will play against the Cincinnati Bengals at home, against whom they have a 48-55 win/loss record.

Three of those 55 losses came in the last three fixtures. These two teams faced each other in December 2024, with the Browns suffering a 24-6 defeat. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (now with the Eagles) threw 20 completions for 157 yards and 2 interceptions, while Bengals QB Joe Burrow completed 23 passes for 252 yards to score 3 touchdowns.