Analysts have described the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room as a pressure cooker, but Shedeur Sanders remains calm under scrutiny. Instead of feeding into outside speculation, he takes time to praise his teammates and shut down narratives of division.
Sanders entered Cleveland as the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The son of Deion Sanders joins a team already packed with four other quarterbacks: presumed starter Deshaun Watson, veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
With Watson likely sidelined for the entire season due to an Achilles tendon injury, the race for the starting role is now down to four contenders. Despite the competition, Sanders insists there’s no bad blood between them-only camaraderie.
Who will be the Browns’ QB1?
In a recent interview, host Kay Adams asked Sanders if he’d received any advice from Flacco. Without hesitation, the young quarterback confirmed that he had. He also dismissed any notion of hostility between the Browns’ quarterbacks, despite media speculation.
“Everybody is cool in the room,” Sanders stated, adding, “Outside the room, people try to pit us against each other, but inside, we know we’re one.” He also made it clear that personality differences don’t equate to tension.
Sanders spoke highly of Flacco, saying, “It’s fun going there and seeing Joe every day. It’s just funny. At practice, I’m like, ‘Wow, I’m really with Joe Flacco right now. We’re on the same team.’ That’s cool.”
He also showed admiration for Pickett, adding, “The experience he’s had in the league for these years is cool-just seeing the process of it.” As for Watson, Sanders assured fans that despite his injury, the quarterback remains engaged. “He’s active there, he’s in all the meetings, so it’s cool talking to him.”
What’s next for Shedeur and the Browns?
The Browns are wrapping up Phase Two of their offseason workouts, having completed on-field drills. Phase Three, which includes organized team activities (OTAs), kicks off next week. This stage will be crucial as the coaching staff begins determining their starting quarterback.
Insiders suggest that Pickett may initially take the reins during OTAs and training camp, but nothing is set in stone. That leaves the door open for Sanders and Gabriel to prove their worth to head coach Kevin Stefanski before the regular season begins on September 4.
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