- NFL. Trouble begins between Kevin Stefanski and Joe Flacco; It's Shedeur Sanders' big opportunity with the Cleveland Browns
- NFL. Shedeur Sanders goes the extra mile to win the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback job and the whole world is there to appreciate it
Shedeur Sanders, ahead of his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, is positioning himself as a strong contender for the team's starting quarterback spot, despite the ongoing competition involving the experienced heads of Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
Also rivalling Dillon Gabriel (rookie) for the spot and Deshaun Watson, when the 29-year-old eventually returns from injury, Sanders is steadily making a case to lead the Browns' offense in the 2025/26 NFL season.
The 23-year-old from the Colorado Buffaloes, who was a surprising fifth-round pick after a notable slide in the NFL Draft, has impressed coaches and analysts alike in minicamps, fueling speculation that he could sur more established quarterbacks on the roster.
And according to Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus, the openness of the Browns' quarterback contest at the Huntington Bank Field could slowly be falling into the favor of Coach Prime's son.
Shedeur in pole position
"The Browns have four legitimate options to start the season at quarterback: Joe Flacco,Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders," Valentine said. "While the Browns will likely be hunting for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft if none of the four pan out, the front office and coaching staff will still want to be competitive in 2025...
"Sanders, the most polarizing prospect in recent draft history, was selected in the fifth round after a major slide but earned an elite 91.0 PFF overall grade this past season. Narratives or outside optics won't matter too much to the Browns; the goal is purely to put the most talented quarterback under center.
"And even if none of their options project to be the long-term answer, Sanders could be the starter for 2025. Draft order notwithstanding, he is the most talented quarterback on the roster. He has reportedly impressed in OTAs, and while there will be some noise regarding how he found his way to the team, his talent is undeniable."
Sanders oozes confidence ahead of NFL debut season
Although the competition is fierce, Shedeur has approached the challenge with determination and is paying no mind to his draft spot of 144th overall, showing off during a modified 7-on-7 drill, standing out despite limited snaps with the second team due to the crowded quarterback roster.
"I don't have any excuses. My production whenever I get the opportunity to play is what ultimately counts," Sanders said of if he earns a nod from Kevin Stefanski, proving he's only interested in results.
This confidence, combined with his talent and work ethic have begun to shift expectations, signaling he could be the Browns' most promising quarterback option heading into the regular season.
That could be bad news for the 40-year-old Flacco and 27-year-old Pickett, with reports the Browns could look to trade away one of the veterans by the time their opening game with the Cincinnati Bengals arrives in September.