NFL Speculation: Mike Florio Discusses Potential of Shedeur Sanders as Starting Quarterback
Spotlight Shines on Shedeur Sanders Amidst Browns' QB Room
It's not every year a fourth-string quarterback grabs the limelight in training camp, but that's exactly the case with Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland Browns' camp. drafted two rounds behind Dillon Gabriel, Sanders is the talk of the town amongst Browns fans.
Despite his surprising drop in the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation swirls that Sanders may still be Browns owner Jimmy Haslam's pet project. NFL analyst Mike Florio suggests that Haslam, who still makes numerous team decisions, could see Sanders as a starter, giving credence to the narrative that the rookie is the team's prized possession.
"If Haslam wants Shedeur, he'll likely get Shedeur," Florio mused. "Making him the starter will validate the organization's decision to place analytics over other factors in bringing on a rookie who could shake up the established 53-man roster for 2025."
However, Florio predicts that a veteran quarterback will start the season, with only one of Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett making the final roster. But whichever veteran hangs on to their spot, they'll have to vacate it for a rookie at some point.
"It's possible the Browns will begin the season with one of [Flacco or Pickett], grinding it out till they're compelled to give the team a lift," Florio said. "Much depends on the schedule, to be released in 11 days. If they get an early slate of winnable games, they could build momentum. If they're up against a powerhouse in September-October, things could get rocky."
Seeking Redemption After a Disastrous 3-14 Season
The Questionable Deshaun Watson Era
The poor play of veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson, coupled with his recent injury, means he'll likely spend the entire year on injured reserve after tearing his Achilles twice. Although Watson remains on the team, fans are looking forward to a fresh start, having endured three tumultuous years with him under center.
With Watson out of the picture for the foreseeable future, it appears that Sanders could get his chance to shine in 2025. The Browns experimented with multiple quarterbacks over the past two seasons—playing a total of four in 2024—but only Jameis Winston found any success.
Despite his late draft position, Sanders' potential and his family's collegiate track record generate excitement within the Browns' organization. Although Flacco has previously led the team to playoffs, his advancing age (40) suggests he's no longer capable of serving as the team's main quarterback. Even if Gabriel takes the starting gig initially, it's expected that Sanders will get his chance to prove his draft position was undervalued.
- The Browns owner Jimmy Haslam's pet project, Shedeur Sanders, is likely to validate the broader organization's decision if made the starter, as suggested by NFL analyst Mike Florio.
- Shedeur Sanders, who has generated excitement within the Browns' organization despite a drop in the 2025 NFL Draft, could shake up the established 53-man roster.
- Amidst rumors surrounding Shedeur Sanders, it's possible that a veteran quarterback like Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett will begin the season as the starter, but they'll eventually have to vacate their spot for the rookie.
- With Deshaun Watson out of the picture due to injury, Shedeur Sanders could get his chance to shine in 2025, seeking redemption for the Browns after a disastrous 3-14 season.
- Even if drafted two rounds behind Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel's early start could be short-lived, as it's expected that Sanders will get his opportunity to prove his draft position was undervalued.
