The Cleveland Browns have assembled one of the most competitive quarterback rooms in the NFL heading into the 2025 season.
After drafting both Dillon Gabriel out of Oregon in the third round and Shedeur Sanders from Colorado in the fifth, the team already had a pair of veterans in Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett-not to mention the still-recovering Deshaun Watson.
It’s a crowded field, but one that seems to be generating early sparks, especially when it comes to the name drawing the most buzz: Shedeur Sanders.
Veteran offensive lineman Joel Bitonio, the longest-tenured member of the Browns roster, recently spoke about the influx of quarterback talent during a team media appearance.
And while he made a point to praise the competition, it was clear where much of the early attention is going.
“I think to have two young guys that can develop and kind of battle and push, there’s really nothing wrong with it,” Bitonio said. “I was there this last week, and I was around [Shedeur]. He was in the meetings, both of them were. I actually talked to the rookies one day, tried to give them some advice on how to learn the playbook and stuff.”
Early signs point to Sanders stealing the spotlight in Cleveland
Bitonio didn’t mince words when describing how much attention the rookie from Colorado is already receiving: “It’s hard to tell in three days, but I think you can look at every Instagram, Twitter, everything the Browns do-it’s something about Shedeur Sanders.”
That’s a telling comment from a player who has spent over a decade with the organization. Drafted in the second round back in 2014, Bitonio has become one of the Browns‘ most respected leaders and locker room voices.
A seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro (including two First-Team selections), his endorsement carries weight-both on the field and inside team meetings.
And while he made clear that Sanders wasn’t the only rookie making a strong first impression, Bitonio noted a work ethic from Sanders that stood out.
“I’ve met him just for a few days, and he seems like he’s ready to work. Just like all the rookies. It seems like a good rookie class. The guys are focused,” he said.
As the Browns prepare for training camp, the quarterback competition will be one of the most closely watched storylines. Gabriel, with his dual-threat capability honed in Oregon’s system, has plenty of upside.
But the media presence, fan anticipation, and now locker room buzz suggest that Shedeur Sanders may already be ahead in the early race-not just in reps, but in reputation.
And with a respected figure like Joel Bitonio already voicing support for the rookie’s presence and attitude, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Sanders continue gaining ground as the Browns shape their future under center.
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