The Cleveland Browns ensured they’d be at the forefront of the NFL offseason when they surprised many and traded up in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft to take Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders two rounds after picking Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel.
Ever since that decision, the Browns have seemingly been a hot topic of conversation as they let Sanders and Gabriel battle it out in a crowded quarterback room with Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett as the team tries to decide who will be its Week 1 starter.
All four players have had their moments during OTAs and minicamp, but it’s always seemed like Flacco is the leader in the clubhouse followed by Pickett as a close No. 2.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stated before OTAs that all four quarterbacks would be given a shot to win the job, but after an update this week just before training camp, it appears the Browns already have an idea of the two QBs they want at the top of the depth chart.
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ESPN Browns beat reporter Daniel Oyefusi recently appeared on “NFL Live,” and while discussing the Browns’ starting quarterback job, he didn’t seem convinced that Sanders stood a chance of unseating either Flacco or Pickett on the depth chart.
“It was more of the teaching and an installation process,” Oyefusi said Monday, via Sports Illustrated. “That’s going to change once we get into the summer. [They’re] looking to evaluate this crop of quarterbacks.
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“… You have to look at the vets, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as being ahead of the crop. … He impressed with his progression, with his accuracy. They love what he’s doing in the building, but can he crack that group?”
Sanders had an impressive senior season at Colorado, passing for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while leading the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record and appearance in the Alamo Bowl.
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It was Colorado’s best season since the team was 10-4 in 2016 under former head coach Mike MacIntyre, and just its second bowl appearance in that span as well.
Gabriel has also impressed in a few brief moments during OTAs and minicamp, and some analysts consider him the wildcard in this situation.
The 24-year-old Oregon alum had his best college season in 2024 with the Ducks, passing for 3,857 yards, 30 touchdowns and six interceptions while rushing for another 149 yards and seven more scores.
If Gabriel beats out Sanders, it’s believed the Browns would look to trade the latter as opposed to outright cutting him.