Cleveland Browns Eye Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders for Start in 2025 Season

BEREA, Ohio — Shedeur Sanders, the fifth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, showed promise during rookie minicamp earlier this month. The former Colorado quarterback has entered a competitive race for the starting quarterback position as the Browns prepare for the upcoming season.

Sanders is vying for the top spot against fellow quarterbacks Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel. While the Browns made larger investments in Flacco and Gabriel, former NFL player LeSean McCoy believes that Sanders has the potential to earn the starting role this season.

“He’s not going to start game one. He’s a rookie, he’s going to take some time. But he’s going to start, and he’s going to start early this year,” McCoy said during an interview. He emphasized that the feedback from minicamp showed that Sanders shined above the other participants.

In 2024, Flacco and Pickett struggled as backups. Flacco recorded moderate success with the Indianapolis Colts but only won two of six games started. Meanwhile, Pickett faced challenges that led to his release from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sanders faces stiff competition but brings skill to the table. He has been praised for his strong arm and accuracy, showcasing his talents in drills throughout the weekend. Head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed enthusiasm about Sanders and Gabriel, acknowledging they both need to refine their skills.

Sanders’ recent drop to the fifth round of the draft surprised many analysts, who expected him to be a higher pick. Despite that, his father, Deion Sanders, known for his success in football, gives him a supportive background.

McCoy and his co-host James Jones argue that the competition within the Browns’ locker room is ripe for changes, suggesting that Sanders could outperform veterans Flacco and Pickett, who have limitations.

“The track record shows that the dudes that are in front of him are not that good,” Jones said, pointing to potential opportunities for Sanders to make his mark.

While challenges lie ahead, both Sanders and Gabriel have been impressive in team drills. They took turns demonstrating their skills and engaging in red-zone situations, showing they could lead the team effectively.

This offseason, the coaching staff is focused on evaluating every aspect of the players’ performance, in hopes of constructing a strong quarterback lineup before the start of the regular season.