It’s been an interesting few days at the Cleveland Browns training camp. With four legitimate options battling to be QB1, the organization has given each name a genuine chance at the spot. While Joe Flacco is the most established of the four options, both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are trying to establish themselves in the league.
Sanders might be the most popular option among the group, thanks to his pedigree and magnetic personality. But with training camp nearing its conclusion and with an eye on the preseason, a team insider revealed the general consensus about the fifth-round pick’s performance so far.
What’s the Verdict On QB Shedeur Sanders From Cleveland Browns Training Camp?
Over the weekend, the ESPN Cleveland page diligently updated the quarterback stats after each day of reps. After the first four days, the compiled stats were posted on their official X page.
The Browns are off today. Here’s how all 4 QBs have performed in team drills through four training camp practices.
Shedeur Sanders is the only QB to not get 1st team reps. pic.twitter.com/entHgJRHkY
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 27, 2025
Surprisingly, on Saturday, Super Bowl XLVII champion Joe Flacco had the worst stats among the group, completing 50% of his 34 passes without recording a single touchdown.
Veteran Kenny Pickett, on the other hand, was highly efficient, recording 23 of 34 completions for three touchdowns. Still, Pickett was the only one among the four to cough up an interception. Things went sour for the ex-Pittsburgh Steelers QB, though, when he suffered a “mild” hamstring injury. He will be out for an undetermined amount of time.
The rookies were both clean when it came to turnovers. While Gabriel recorded two touchdowns in his 24 completions on 38Â attempts, Sanders had a dramatic turnaround.
After a rough first two days, he finished with three touchdowns in just 31 attempts. He was also highly efficient with his passing, completing 20 passes over four days.
As a result, Zac Jackson of The Athletic had some high praise for the performance he’d put forward so far. “Sanders had his two best throwing days Friday and Saturday, which were also his busiest days in competitive situations.”
Moreover, his performance has forced some changes in the Browns’ structure. “He’s no longer getting the fewest reps, and though he’s at the back of the line in early-practice drills, he has taken some series with the No. 2 offensive line versus No. 2 defense.”
He’s still a work in progress, according to Jackson, but the upside is clear to see. “When Sanders is on, he’s accurate and able to layer passes to allow the intended target the best chance to catch it and gain yards.”
However, even with the positives, his performance has one major caveat. “He’s still not receiving any reps with the No. 1 offense or against the No. 1 defense, but he’s also getting more opportunities than any No. 4 quarterback has in any previous camp situation.”
With Cleveland HC Kevin Stefanski impressed by his work ethic and the possibility that the Browns want to evaluate his standing as the potential quarterback of the future for the franchise, the possibility of Sanders starting in his rookie year isn’t completely dead.
