The relationship between two quarterbacks on the same team can take many forms — and what Shedeur Sanders and Joe Flacco appear to have built this offseason might be the healthiest version of how a rookie and a veteran can coexist, which ultimately benefits the Cleveland Browns.
Whether it’s due to his experience in similar situations or simply his professional approach, Flacco has done a solid job of making Sanders feel comfortable while helping with his transition to the NFL, all without forcing a mentorship role that both agreed wouldn’t be part of the dynamic. In a press conference, Sanders explained how he’s been learning from Flacco and how he views their relationship on the roster.
Shedeur Sanders Explains How He Is Learning From Joe Flacco
Flacco has made it clear: he’s not in Cleveland to mentor anyone. With that out of the way, let’s look at what Sanders had to say about the veteran quarterback, now entering his 18th NFL season and having played for at least five teams, gaining experience in countless systems and quarterback rooms.
Asked about what he’s learned just by watching Flacco work, Sanders emphasized the veteran’s experience and professionalism. He explained that he’s constantly seeking insights and ideas during practice, not in a formal mentor-mentee dynamic, but rather as teammates trying to improve together.
Browns Shedeur Sanders on getting sideline tips from veteran Joe Flacco. pic.twitter.com/KUSDpyVuJj
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) June 10, 2025
“Just how to get through the reads quicker, and those types of things. And I asked him, I’m like, ‘Hey, let me know. What you think? Like, what do I need to do?’ So, it’s like, he’s seen it, he played it, and he’s a pro, you know? So, it’s like, I’ll be dumb, I’ll be a fool to not get insight from somebody that has success over all the years that he has,” Sanders said.
His comment reinforces an important truth: quarterbacks don’t need to be hired to teach other quarterbacks. That’s the job of the QB coach. A player’s responsibility is to prepare, and in a healthy team environment, the QB room often becomes a collaborative space where everyone studies together with a common goal.
During Lamar Jackson’s rookie year, Flacco was criticized for not taking on a mentorship role with the young quarterback out of Louisville. But today, based on how he described his approach with Sanders, it’s easy to understand his perspective. He’s there to do his job, and if a teammate picks up something along the way, all the better. But that’s not his main focus.
Flacco’s experience gives him a deeper and more objective view of the NFL, while for a rookie like Sanders, everything is still new. The connection described by Sanders is exactly what should exist in a quarterback room where each player knows their role: mutual respect, collaboration, and constant pursuit of individual improvement in service of the team.