The Cleveland Browns remain one of the most intriguing teams to watch heading into the 2025 NFL season. After selecting Shedeur Sanders 144th overall, much attention has followed the high-profile rookie to Cleveland. Yet, stiff competition at quarterback has made the battle even more compelling.
With Joe Flacco signed, Kenny Pickett acquired via trade, and Dillon Gabriel drafted, head coach Kevin Stefanski has four solid options for the starting QB role. After rookie minicamps and OTAs, a clearer picture is beginning to take shape.
Can Shedeur Sanders Be QB1 for the Cleveland Browns?
So far, Sanders has been on the outside looking in. While his performances have been impressive, he remains behind the other quarterbacks on the depth chart, as he is yet to perform in full 11-on-11 drills in front of the media.
Additionally, he is the only quarterback among the four to not get reps with the first team. As a result, speculation about his spot on the depth chart is in question, with QB4 a legitimate possibility.
On ESPN’s Get Up, NFL reporter Kimberley A. Martin broke down the latest news from the Browns camp. “In the building, they see any four of these guys as potential starters.” However, for her, the answer lies somewhere else.
“The real question, though, for me is, Kevin Stefanski has said, ‘I have a plan. We knew we’re going to have four quarterbacks, I have a plan for how we’re going to divvy up the reps.’ But Kevin Stefanski has not given any specifics as to how that actually plays out.”
With a limited number of reps to go around, especially for the two rookies in the room, it might come down to who works better in their system, according to Martin. So far, Stefanski has maintained that orders and first-team reps aren’t the deciding factor.
Instead, fans may get a clearer picture once mandatory mini-camps begin in less than a week. At OTAs, Sanders has stood out statistically, especially while working with the backups.
His high completion percentage and touchdown numbers at these informal sessions may not be headline-grabbing, but steadily, Sanders is rebuilding the case that once made him a top-two quarterback prospect entering the draft.
It’s likely not until the season is underway that we’ll fully understand the Browns’ quarterback depth chart. With mini-camps, preseason, and regular-season games still to come, there’s plenty more evaluation before Stefanski makes his final decision.