Shortly after Cleveland Browns benched veteran quarterback Joe Flacco for rookie Dillon Gabriel , the team moved quickly, trading the 40-year-old quarterback to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. Flacco started four games this season, but after a 1–3 start, the Browns opted to give their third-round pick a chance. The trade not only reshaped Cleveland’s quarterback room but also elevated fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders to the backup position.
Shedeur Sanders on Joe Flacco: mentor, teammate, and friend
Shedeur Sanders, who had been listed as the third-string quarterback, will now serve as Dillon Gabriel’s backup. The rookie spoke candidly about Flacco’s impact, telling John Sabol of Fox 8 News, “Dang, that happened quick.” Despite the sudden move, Sanders expressed admiration for Flacco’s guidance.
“He’s definitely somebody I leaned on for wisdom, and I feel like he helped me a lot,” Sanders said. “He helped a lot while my time being here in Cleveland and his time being here in Cleveland. Everybody has their own destinies and has their own plans in life, so I’m just happy for him.”
Even though Flacco never considered himself a formal mentor, his presence proved supportive. Sanders recalled Flacco offering encouragement after a challenging final preseason outing. “He’s definitely a person that adjusts to any situation he’s in,” Sanders added. “He’s an old man, so it’s funny though. … I always bring the youngness out of him, and he always smiles at the funny things I do.”
The trade, though surprising, reinforced the bond between the veteran and the rookie. Sanders’ reaction shows the respect and friendship that grew during their time together, highlighting how mentorship in the NFL often comes from the locker room, not just the playbook.
What’s next for Sanders and Flacco
With Flacco heading to Cincinnati, he faces an immediate challenge: stepping in for the struggling Bengals offense, which has felt the absence of Joe Burrow. Flacco could replace Jake Browning as soon as this week, potentially rejuvenating a team that has struggled with passing efficiency.
Meanwhile, Sanders will lean on the lessons he learned from Flacco as he embraces his new responsibilities with Cleveland. His positive outlook on Flacco’s future emphasizes maturity beyond his years. “Everybody has their own destinies and have their own plans in life. So, I’m just happy for him,” Sanders reiterated.
As the NFL season continues, this trade illustrates more than a strategic move; it’s a moment of growth for a rookie and a fresh opportunity for a seasoned quarterback seeking a second wind.
Also Read: Deshaun Watson flaunts luxury private jet date night with wife amid Browns quarterback drama
Shedeur Sanders on Joe Flacco: mentor, teammate, and friend
Shedeur Sanders, who had been listed as the third-string quarterback, will now serve as Dillon Gabriel’s backup. The rookie spoke candidly about Flacco’s impact, telling John Sabol of Fox 8 News, “Dang, that happened quick.” Despite the sudden move, Sanders expressed admiration for Flacco’s guidance.
#Browns back-up QB Shedeur Sanders speaks exclusively to @fox8news @John_Sabol about the trade of Joe Flacco to the #Bengals. pic.twitter.com/PDQF6ihBz1
— P.J. ZIEGLER (@PJFOX8) October 7, 2025
“He’s definitely somebody I leaned on for wisdom, and I feel like he helped me a lot,” Sanders said. “He helped a lot while my time being here in Cleveland and his time being here in Cleveland. Everybody has their own destinies and has their own plans in life, so I’m just happy for him.”
Even though Flacco never considered himself a formal mentor, his presence proved supportive. Sanders recalled Flacco offering encouragement after a challenging final preseason outing. “He’s definitely a person that adjusts to any situation he’s in,” Sanders added. “He’s an old man, so it’s funny though. … I always bring the youngness out of him, and he always smiles at the funny things I do.”
The trade, though surprising, reinforced the bond between the veteran and the rookie. Sanders’ reaction shows the respect and friendship that grew during their time together, highlighting how mentorship in the NFL often comes from the locker room, not just the playbook.
What’s next for Sanders and Flacco
With Flacco heading to Cincinnati, he faces an immediate challenge: stepping in for the struggling Bengals offense, which has felt the absence of Joe Burrow. Flacco could replace Jake Browning as soon as this week, potentially rejuvenating a team that has struggled with passing efficiency.
Meanwhile, Sanders will lean on the lessons he learned from Flacco as he embraces his new responsibilities with Cleveland. His positive outlook on Flacco’s future emphasizes maturity beyond his years. “Everybody has their own destinies and have their own plans in life. So, I’m just happy for him,” Sanders reiterated.
As the NFL season continues, this trade illustrates more than a strategic move; it’s a moment of growth for a rookie and a fresh opportunity for a seasoned quarterback seeking a second wind.
Also Read: Deshaun Watson flaunts luxury private jet date night with wife amid Browns quarterback drama
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