Shedeur Sanders‘ entry into the NFL has come with both fanfare and scrutiny, and now the rookie quarterback is preparing for what promises to be an intense competition for the starting role with the Cleveland Browns.
Facing off against seasoned veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, Sanders finds himself in a crowded and competitive quarterback room.
NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe offered his take on the situation during a recent episode of his “Nightcap” show, emphasizing that the battle for the QB1 spot shouldn’t devolve into a toxic rivalry.
“It’s not a fight to the death”
“So, yes, only one quarterback can play, we understand that,” Sharpe said on Saturday. “But this isn’t Hunger Games.
“Sometimes, don’t people try to pit like it’s a Hunger Games, like you could have only one winner. Yes, there’s only going to be one guy that’s going to be able to play at a time, but I’m not trying to sabotage it.”
Sharpe also touched on what Sanders might gain from sharing the QB room with an experienced figure like Flacco.
“Hopefully, he can impart some wisdom from Joe Flacco. Flacco’s been at this thing a very long time,” Sharpe continued.
“Kenny Pickett has been in the league for a while, I don’t know if I’m going to get too much from him, but you know, hey, let’s see how it goes. I’m just trying to figure out what it’s supposed to be.”
Sharpe‘s comments come amid increasing media attention on Sanders, who impressed coaches during Cleveland’s rookie minicamp.
Despite showing promise, most reports suggest that Sanders is unlikely to start the season under center, with Flacco‘s veteran presence giving him the edge for Week 1.
Sanders working to rise in a competitive depth chart
Sanders was selected by the Browns with the No. 144 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year deal worth $4.6 million earlier this week, which includes a $447,000 signing bonus.
Before turning pro, Sanders compiled impressive stats in college, throwing for 14,347 yards, 134 touchdowns, and just 27 interceptions across stints at Jackson State and Colorado.
The Browns’ quarterback situation remains one of the most talked-about in the NFL, especially with Deshaun Watson still recovering and four players vying for starting reps. For Sanders, this offseason is crucial.
Every snap, rep, and meeting counts as he looks to prove himself not just as a name, but as a legitimate NFL-caliber quarterback.
While his road to QB1 might not be immediate, Sanders appears to be taking the right approach-learning from veterans, absorbing playbooks, and maintaining composure in a high-pressure environment.
As Sharpe reminded viewers, this isn’t about survival of the fittest, but about building a team-and a future.
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