Cleveland Browns Weigh Shedeur Sanders Start Amid Four-QB Roster Strategy

The Cleveland Browns are navigating a complex quarterback competition involving Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft despite earlier first-round projections. Analysts and insiders appreciate the Browns' approach to Sanders' development, emphasizing that when he eventually earns a starting role, it will be unquestioned due to his progression from a lower depth chart position during minicamp. However, roster constraints pose challenges, as keeping all four quarterbacks may require placing one on the practice squad, risking waiver claims—Sanders, despite his draft slide, is considered a highly attractive candidate for other teams. Meanwhile, Browns fans and commentators continue to speculate about the future of the franchise quarterback position, especially with the team holding two first-round picks in 2026 and needing to evaluate Sanders and Gabriel. Additionally, there is ongoing reflection on former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who, despite being traded, has found success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading some to advocate for his inclusion in the Browns' Ring of Honor for his role in the team's progress. As the pads come on for training camp, the competition will intensify, and the Browns will ultimately decide their quarterback depth chart moving forward.