As the Cleveland Browns wrapped up their offseason workouts, an unexpected name emerged at the top of several quarterback categories: fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders. With mandatory minicamp now concluded, the team faces a crowded quarterback room and difficult decisions. Yet, despite his impressive numbers, Sanders’ chances of starting Week One remain uncertain.
Shedeur Sanders Shines in Browns QB Battle, Faces Uphill Climb for Week 1 Start
According to ESPN Cleveland, Sanders turned heads during the five open media practices of OTAs and minicamp. He completed 41 of 53 passes with nine touchdowns and just one interception, a completion rate of 77 percent, far surpassing other competitors.
Here are the QB totals from the 5 Browns open media practices (OTAs and minicamp) this spring.
Who do you think should be the Browns QB1? pic.twitter.com/daBfqHvn58
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 12, 2025
By comparison, Kenny Pickett went 38 of 63 with seven touchdowns, Dillon Gabriel completed 48 of 83 with eight touchdowns, and veteran Joe Flacco managed just 18 of 35 with two scores. Statistically, Sanders was not just competitive but the most efficient and productive among the four. Despite that, the Browns have kept expectations measured.
“Sanders’ chances of starting Week 1 still seem very slim, the path does exist,” Yahoo Sports said, reflecting how the coaching staff is managing the development of a fifth-round rookie currently listed fourth on the depth chart. Each quarterback rotated with the first and second teams, taking snaps in 11v11, 7v7, and red zone drills.
Public and media attention toward Sanders has been significant, often outpacing that of more established players. Each time the Browns hit the practice field, social media fills up with clips of Sanders performing even routine actions. The level of attention he receives is highly unusual for someone in his current roster spot. Though his role is limited for now, this level of visibility is rarely seen for a fourth-string quarterback.
Still, doubts remain. Sanders may be an unusually high-profile fourth-string quarterback and fifth-round pick, but the likelihood of him opening the season as QB1 remains slim. While the buzz around Sanders is undeniable, whether that will translate into meaningful snaps come the regular season remains to be seen.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation is far from resolved. The 40-year-old veteran, Flacco, is a short-term answer. Pickett arrives with baggage from his struggles in Pittsburgh. Gabriel’s early reviews have been less than encouraging. And while Sanders has impressed, there is still hesitation about handing him the reins so early.
According to The Sporting News’ Mike Moraitis, if the Browns falter in 2025, the team might seek another quarterback at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. If Cleveland struggles as expected this season, the team might decide to move on from Sanders and Gabriel in favor of selecting a new quarterback early in the next draft. Texas’s Arch Manning is one name floated, though it remains unlikely he will declare after only one year as a starter.
Sanders has made a strong case with his performance, but the Browns’ quarterback puzzle is far from solved. He has outshone his peers during spring practices, but translating that into a Week 1 start will require more than substantial numbers. It will require the coaching staff to take a leap of faith.