After an unprecedented slide for Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, the quarterback eventually got drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. All he needed was a chance, and Cleveland bet on him, disregarding all the noise about his unprofessional conduct.
However, Sanders is now in a four-way battle with Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett for the starting job in Cleveland — something he has rarely had to deal with to this point. Given the tough competition, fans have been pitting the quarterbacks against each other, but for Sanders, they are united.
Shedeur Sanders Claims Browns QB Room Is ‘One’
Sanders endured arguably the most precipitous fall in NFL Draft history. He balled out in his final college season at Colorado, throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024. However, questions remained about Sanders’ arm strength and athleticism, and concerns about his attitude and some poor pre-draft interviews didn’t help his case.
With that said, no one saw a fifth-round slide coming, and the Browns mercifully ended his suffering. However, they did so after selecting Dillon Gabriel 50 picks earlier. Gabriel was widely projected as a Day 3 pick, but the Browns used a third-round selection on the Oregon product.
With Pickett and Flacco also joining the Browns this offseason, fans are going to war over who will start the first game of the NFL season. Yet, despite the tough competition between the four players, Sanders claims the QBs are all close.
“Everybody’s cool in the room. Outside the room, people try to pit us against each other,” Sanders told Kay Adams. “Inside the room, we know we’re one.”
Sanders added that the four QBs are “all different characters.” He is particularly fascinated by Flacco, who has won a Super Bowl and earned Super Bowl MVP honors. Sanders admitted that it’s a bit surreal being on the same team as the 40-year-old.
“It’s funny going there and seeing Joe every day,” Sanders said. “It’s funny seeing him. At practice, I’m like, ‘Wow, I’m really with Joe Flacco right now. We’re on the same team!’ … It’s just so funny he’s in there and we’re on the same team.”
Shedeur Sanders breaks down the @Browns QB room.
Loves Flacco.@PaniniAmerica @ShedeurSanders pic.twitter.com/lkIvKDyNd6
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams)
Sanders was just 6 years old when Flacco was drafted in the NFL in 2008, so he grew up watching the former Baltimore Ravens star when he was in his prime.
While the group is close, they are ultimately fighting for the same starting job. Sanders will likely have to first beat out Gabriel, then turn his sights to overtaking Flacco and Pickett to win the starting job.
Recently, NFL legend Tom Brady offered some advice to Sanders from the perspective of a sixth-round pick who went on to become a seven-time Super Bowl winner. Brady’s message to Sanders?
“Use it as motivation,” he said. “You’re gonna get your chances, just go take advantage of it.”
Now, all eyes will be on Sanders to see if he can do exactly that.