ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Issues Stark Warning to Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski Over Shedeur Sanders’ QB Role
On November 24, 2025, following the Cleveland Browns’ 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on November 23—where rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders secured his first NFL starting win—ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith delivered a fiery admonition to Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. During Monday’s episode of ESPN’s First Take, Smith cautioned that failing to commit to Sanders as the starting QB for Week 13 could spark a “mutiny” among fans and the locker room.
Background on Sanders’ Rapid Rise
- Draft and Depth Chart Journey: Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was selected by the Browns in the fifth round (144th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. He entered the season as the No. 4 quarterback behind veterans like Joe Flacco (later traded) and Kenny Pickett (also traded), with rookie Dillon Gabriel as the backup.
- Injury Catalyst: Gabriel entered concussion protocol after Week 11’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, thrusting Sanders into his NFL debut. In that relief appearance, Sanders completed 4-of-16 passes for 47 yards, threw an interception, and was sacked twice, posting a dismal 2.4 QBR in the second half. Despite the struggles, Stefanski named him the starter for Week 12 against the Raiders if Gabriel remained sidelined.
- Debut Performance: Against Las Vegas, Sanders improved markedly, leading the Browns to a convincing win that snapped a three-game skid. The victory improved Cleveland’s record to 3-8, providing a much-needed boost to a team hampered by offensive woes and Deshaun Watson’s lingering $46 million cap hit (despite his injury absence).
The Coach’s Ambiguous Stance
Post-game on November 23, Stefanski dodged questions about Sanders’ long-term role, reiterating that Gabriel would reclaim the starting spot upon clearing protocol: “I’m not going to get into that.” This noncommittal approach drew immediate backlash, especially given Sanders’ visible frustration in prior weeks and fan demands for more reps. Earlier critiques from ESPN’s Cam Newton accused Stefanski of sabotaging Sanders by limiting his first-team practice time, calling it a “disconnect” rooted in poor preparation.
Smith’s Warning: “Mutiny Awaits”
Smith, known for his unfiltered takes, escalated the narrative on First Take, framing the decision as pivotal for Stefanski’s tenure:
- “If you don’t name Shedeur Sanders the starting quarterback for next week, there will be a mutiny in Cleveland. The fans are fed up, the players are watching, and this kid just delivered a win when you needed it most.”
- He contrasted this with prior warnings, like his November 21 segment where he labeled Sanders’ Raiders start a “make-or-break” moment for his Browns future, emphasizing the rookie couldn’t afford another “clueless” outing.
This isn’t isolated—ESPN’s Rex Ryan has repeatedly blasted Stefanski’s QB handling, once urging Sanders to “quit being an embarrassment” over perceived entitlement in pre-debut comments. Ryan later shifted some blame to the coach for inadequate support.
Broader Implications for the Browns
With 10 draft picks (including two first-rounders) in 2026, Cleveland eyes offensive line and skill-position upgrades, but the QB carousel remains a flashpoint. Sanders’ emergence—bolstered by President-elect Donald Trump’s post-win endorsement (“I TOLD YOU SO!”)—has intensified pressure on Stefanski amid a 3-8 start. Off-field distractions, like a break-in at Sanders’ home during his Ravens debut, add to the narrative’s intensity.
As Week 13 approaches (opponent TBD), all eyes are on Stefanski’s Monday presser. Smith’s words echo a growing sentiment: Bench Sanders at your peril.