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Shedeur Sanders Joins Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Controversy
Shedeur Sanders, selected as the 144th pick in the NFL Draft, has officially joined the Cleveland Browns. This move, made in the fifth round on Saturday, adds another dynamic to the team’s quarterback depth chart.
The fact that Sanders fell into the later rounds came as a surprise to many analysts. However, he finally secured his place during the third day of the draft, igniting hopes that he could eventually become the starting quarterback, particularly during the 2025 season.
Cleveland’s Competitive Quarterback Room
Sanders enters a highly competitive quarterback environment, joining established players like Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. The uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson’s health casts a shadow over the quarterback situation for 2025. After re-injuring his Achilles during the offseason, his availability remains questionable, following an Achilles tear that sidelined him for a significant part of the previous year.
Team Expectations and Competition
Browns general manager Andrew Berry has publicly set a high standard for all quarterbacks in the room.
“We expect every player to compete. Simple as that,” Berry stated, emphasizing the team’s commitment to fostering competition among the players.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski also faced questions regarding how he plans to ensure that each of the four healthy quarterbacks receives an equitable opportunity. He affirmed that a fair structure would be in place without rigid divisions of practice time.
“We’ve talked about it. I mean, there are ways to do both, I think,” said Stefanski. “Obviously, you may not divide them 25, 25, 25, but we feel confident that we’ll have a plan that is fair to each player and fair to the team as well.”
The Quarterback Lineup: Strengths and Background
The Browns’ acquisition of Kenny Pickett occurred during the offseason, with a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. After serving as a backup for Jalen Hurts, he earned a Super Bowl ring with the Eagles in February. Originally drafted in the first round of the 2022 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickett brings a wealth of experience and talent to the roster.
Joe Flacco rejoined the Browns after a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024. During his 2023 season, he stepped in for the injured Watson and successfully led the Browns to the playoffs. Flacco’s legacy includes a Super Bowl victory with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012, lending veteran leadership to the team.
Introducing Dillon Gabriel
The Browns secured Dillon Gabriel in the third round on Friday, adding significant talent to their quarterback lineup. Gabriel’s college career saw him play for UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. In his last season with the Ducks, he amassed 3,857 passing yards and 30 touchdown passes, earning recognition as a Heisman Trophy finalist. Moreover, Gabriel holds the FBS record for the most career touchdown passes, showcasing his potential as a formidable player.
Berry on Draft Strategies
Browns general manager Andrew Berry shared insights into the rationale behind selecting two quarterbacks in the recent draft.
“I think, like I could say, the plan wasn’t necessarily to take two running backs. You envision how the draft could possibly play out, and then you adjust to what’s on the board,” Berry explained. He acknowledged that a flexible mindset is crucial for making effective draft decisions.
Berry continued, revealing a philosophy that prioritizes overall talent and adaptability:
“If you go into the draft solely focusing on positional needs, that’s typically how you make mistakes. There is a flow to the weekend as the board evolves with unexpected developments and opportunities. Ultimately, we strive to maximize the impact of our selections, staying flexible throughout the process.”
Sanders’ Road Ahead
While Shedeur Sanders faces an uphill battle to secure both a starting position and a roster spot, the challenge is not insurmountable. His confidence in fitting seamlessly into the team’s culture could prove beneficial as he embarks on this new chapter.
In a recent statement to reporters, Sanders expressed his eagerness to engage with his new team. “I know I’m going to fit in perfectly. It’s all about showing respect to the veterans and demonstrating my readiness to work. I want the coaches to see the real me and understand my dedication,” he said.
He highlighted the feeling of comfort and authenticity he experienced during team interactions, stating, “I left that visit knowing that if this was the place for me, I would feel real comfortable with what they have in place.”
Looking Forward
As the Browns gear up for the upcoming season, the quarterback position remains a focal point of both interest and speculation. With multiple talented players vying for prominence, the team appears poised for a captivating journey in the coming months.
In this evolving landscape, Shedeur Sanders represents hope and potential for the Browns as he aims to forge his path within this competitive environment.
