Big twist in Browns camp Shedeur Sanders pushed down while others rise: Report

Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback son of Coach Deion Sanders, has a long way to go if he is to become the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns in 2025. Fifth-round draft pick Sanders is coming into a very talented group with other quarterbacks already favored first in the pecking order. With training about to start, the Browns' QB competition is heating up quickly.

Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel head early practices

Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are reportedly taking most of the first- and second-team reps during Browns' practices. Pickett, who signed with the Browns from the Steelers, is the early favorite for the starting position. Gabriel, a third-round draft pick, is impressive and has moved into the second spot in drills.



Shedeur Sanders, who has been successful at college and bears a well-known last name, is tied for third along with veteran Joe Flacco.

Shedeur Sanders reportedly had Browns coaches “shocked” at his precision and accuracy with the short time they had with him at rookie minicamp.

Sanders reportedly was throwing the ball with the “touch” of a 10-year NFL veteran.

Sanders reportedly has “goals” of winning the QB1… pic.twitter.com/DTo3kUCKMY

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) May 19, 2025

Flacco has the most NFL experience of the lot with a Super Bowl victory under his belt, but appears to be taking it easy and not taking as many reps early in camp.



This configuration has less to do with talent and more to do with the way the Browns mapped out their draft. Gabriel was an obvious target in the third round, and the team ignored Sanders six times before ultimately trading up to select him in the fifth. That indicates how the team values each player currently.



Also Read: Shedeur Sanders Officially Signs His Rookie Contract With The Cleveland Browns, Fans Say "His NIL Deal Was Bigger"



Joe Flacco and Shedeur Sanders split reps at back

Though Joe Flacco is the most veteran quarterback of the bunch, he is now splitting third- and fourth-team reps with Sanders. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is that Flacco doesn't require as many practice reps due to his 17 years in the league. Sanders, meanwhile, requires as many reps as possible to familiarize himself with the playbook and develop chemistry with his teammates.


Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot outlined the reasoning: "Sanders may go first at times in part because Flacco has 17 years' experience under his belt, and Sanders needs as much time on task as possible to come up to speed in the scheme."


It is too early in the offseason, and a lot can happen before the start of the regular season. Coaches will keep all four quarterbacks on a close eye during training camp and preseason games.


For the time being, it appears that Kenny Pickett is the favorite to be Cleveland's 2025 starting quarterback. Surprises, however, are always afoot in football. Sanders could move up the ranks with a strong preseason performance or practice. Sanders has much to do, but with practice and patience, he remains in the running.