Rumors swirl around the Browns as Mike Florio ponders Shedeur Sanders' potential as starting QB
Let's dive into the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation, where the talk of the town revolves around Shedeur Sanders. Despite being drafted two rounds behind Dillon Gabriel in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders is still the team's hottest rookie.
Some speculate that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has got a soft spot for Sanders, with NFL analyst Mike Florio suggesting that Haslam might push for Sanders to start. "If Haslam wants Sanders, he'll likely get Sanders," Florio wrote, pointing out that Haslam is known to make many significant team decisions.
However, Florio predicts that one of the Browns' veteran quarterbacks—Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett—will begin the season, only to give way to one of the rookies later. The choice between Flacco and Pickett for the initial starting spot seems uncertain, with only one of them likely to make the final roster.
The Browns are in a strategic position, with the schedule to be released soon. If they snag some easy wins early, they could build momentum. Conversely, a tough start could see the team struggle, much like their disastrous 3-14 campaign in 2024.
A new hope after DeShaun Watson
Regardless of who starts, the new QB will offer the team renewed hope after three years of DeShaun Watson, who is likely to spend the entire 2025 season on injured reserve due to a repeated Achilles tear. The Browns last dropped into the playoffs only two years ago.
The Browns have a history of playing more than one quarterback each season, a trend that is likely to continue in 2025. The last signal-caller to start an entire season for the Browns was Baker Mayfield in 2020. In 2024, the Browns rotated four QBs—Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe—with only Winston finding success.
Flacco is the only quarterback to lead the team to the playoffs, but at 40, his days as a 17-game starter are far behind him. Gabriel, though drafted earlier and admired by the Browns, might find himself contesting for the starting spot with Sanders, should the rookie impress.
Insights into Shedeur Sanders
- Sanders displays impressive skills, including accuracy and good decision-making, as evident during the Browns' rookie minicamp.
- Despite the wide expectation for Sanders to be a first-round pick, he slid to Day 3 of the draft. This unexpected drop fuels interest in his ability to prove himself as a top quarterback.
- The competitive dynamics within the Browns' quarterback room, including the presence of Dillon Gabriel and veterans like Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco, could create opportunities for Sanders to shine during the preseason.
- The Browns' depth at the QB position and potential roster constraints might lead to trade speculation, but Sanders' talent and profile make him a valuable asset for the team, whether as a player or trade currency.
- With Sanders impressing during the rookie minicamp and the Browns' history of using multiple quarterbacks each season, there is a possibility that he will challenge Dillon Gabriel for the starting spot.
- The uncertainty surrounding the initial starting quarterback position between Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett for the Cleveland Browns could pave the way for a rookie, especially Shedeur Sanders, to showcase his talent during the preseason.
- As the draft's unexpected slide fueled interest in Shedeur Sanders' potential to become a top quarterback, trade speculation may arise due to the Browns' depth at the QB position and potential roster constraints, but Sanders' talent and profile make him a valuable asset for the team.
