The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is officially one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 NFL offseason. With veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett returning, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel entering the mix, and fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders coming off a high-profile draft slide, the battle for QB1 is wide open.
Sanders Impresses Early in Rookie Minicamp
Yet former Super Bowl champion and NFL analyst James Jones believes one name will ultimately rise to the top — and it’s the rookie with a famous last name.
“Starting Week 1, I think, is outta his control,” Jones said during an appearance on “The Facility”. “But he will start some games this year. Just ’cause the track record shows that the dudes that are in front of him are not that good. The dudes that are in front of him, they do not play good football consistently…He’s gonna make this team, that was very clear at the minicamp.”
Despite being drafted 144th overall, Shedeur Sanders arrived in Cleveland with the spotlight firmly on him. The Browns traded up in the fifth round to secure the former Colorado standout who had first and second-round grades from many analysts.
Sanders participated in the Browns’ three-day rookie minicamp this past weekend, splitting reps with Gabriel during 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. According to multiple reports, Sanders connected for multiple touchdowns and was among the last to leave the field after Friday’s session, getting in extra work with receiver Jabre Barber.
Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski, praised both rookie QBs for their coachability and focus. Sanders later expressed appreciation for the experience, posting on X:
“Thankful for every player a part of our Rookie minicamp. Great relationships was made during our time together.”
An Unshaken Confidence Despite Draft Slide
Sanders fell far below his projected draft slot, sliding to Day 3 despite consistent college production under his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. But if the quarterback is bitter, he isn’t showing it.
“My job here isn’t to prove people wrong,” Sanders told the media. “It’s to prove myself right.”
NFL legend and mentor Tom Brady also reached out after the draft with words of encouragement, telling Sanders to use the fall as motivation, something Brady knows a thing or two about as a former sixth-round pick.
Cleveland’s quarterback competition will unfold across OTAs and into training camp. Deshaun Watson, the team’s presumed starter, continues to recover from a torn Achilles. Joe Flacco is back. Kenny Pickett joins from Pittsburgh, while rookies Gabriel and Sanders round out the room.
Though Sanders didn’t take the first reps during rookie minicamp, he’s already proving he won’t settle for a backseat. His work ethic and poise have drawn praise, and his mindset is clearly focused on long-term growth.
“You value life, and you value opportunity just waking up every day,” Sanders said. “So that’s kind of why (the draft fall) is nothing for me, really… You still got another chance.”