Shedeur Sanders: The Browns’ Rookie Wildcard in 2025
? Quarterback Chaos: Setting the Scene in Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 NFL season with more questions than answers at the quarterback position. Their projected starter, Deshaun Watson, is expected to miss most (if not all) of the season due to an injury. This has thrown the team into an unexpected and urgent quarterback hunt. To stabilize the position, the Browns assembled a mix of experience, youth, and potential:
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Joe Flacco: The 40-year-old veteran was re-signed after his surprisingly effective late-season performance in 2024.
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Kenny Pickett: Acquired via trade, Pickett brings youth and prior starting experience from Pittsburgh but never truly solidified himself as a reliable option.
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Dillon Gabriel: A mobile, undersized quarterback selected in the later rounds of the draft.
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Shedeur Sanders: Selected with the 144th pick (5th round), Sanders enters with significant hype, largely due to his pedigree (son of Deion Sanders) and his impressive college career at Colorado under the tutelage of his father.
It’s rare to see five quarterbacks vying for potential starting reps in one offseason, but such is the state of the Browns’ quarterback room. This unique scenario may open a path for Sanders to gain playing time — and even make his case as a long-term solution.
Rookie Mini-Camp: First Glimpses of Promise
According to reports from multiple outlets including The Sun, ESPN, and NFLDraftDiamonds, Shedeur Sanders stood out during rookie minicamp:
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Superior arm strength and accuracy compared to Dillon Gabriel.
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Command of the offense, suggesting high football IQ.
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Calm under pressure, reflecting composure that is rare for rookies.
Analyst Dan Orlovsky emphasized how Sanders looked like “the better rookie quarterback” on the field — both in structured drills and live-action reps. That early edge matters. While rookie minicamps are far from definitive, they often provide a first glimpse into a player's transition from college to the NFL.
Moreover, Sanders appears to have adapted quickly to Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system, which may favor quarterbacks with fast decision-making and comfort in play-action settings. This offensive scheme was most effective during the early post-Baker Mayfield years, prior to Watson’s acquisition.
Scheme Fit: Stefanski's Vision and Sanders’ Tools
Kevin Stefanski’s best offensive production came when the Browns leaned heavily on:
This is exactly the type of system that suits Shedeur Sanders:
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At Colorado, Sanders thrived in timing-based concepts.
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He showed excellent command in pre-snap recognition, often checking into better plays.
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He displayed strong mechanics and quick release under pressure, a hallmark of play-action quarterbacks.
If Stefanski returns to his original offensive philosophy (potentially shelved during Watson’s era), Sanders might not just fit — he might thrive.
Media Opinions: From Development to Day-One?
Opinions on Sanders’ potential playing time in 2025 are divided:
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Optimistic Analysts:
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Colin Cowherd (Fox Sports): Suggested Sanders could start as early as Week 1, especially if ownership exerts pressure to inject excitement and youth into the season.
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Aaron Goldhammer (ESPN Cleveland): Echoed the belief that a “hot hand” from Sanders in preseason could catapult him into the spotlight.
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Cautious Analysts:
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Tony Grossi, a respected Browns beat reporter, urged fans to temper expectations, referring to Sanders as a “developmental quarterback.” Grossi highlighted the significant jump in competition level and the need to protect Sanders from early failure.
In essence, Sanders’ readiness is still being evaluated, but there’s growing consensus that he’s further along than your typical fifth-round rookie.
The Pickett Problem & Flacco Factor
Kenny Pickett
Acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickett remains a mystery. Though he started in 2022 and 2023, his inability to consistently move the offense led to his eventual benching. With the Browns, Pickett might be on a short leash. If he fails to impress during camp or early games, the team may pivot.
Joe Flacco
While Flacco performed admirably in relief late last season, he remains a short-term solution. His age and limited mobility cap the Browns’ offensive potential. Flacco’s presence provides a safety net but not a long-term answer.
In this context, Sanders presents a compelling middle ground — a developmental but potentially high-upside option who could be groomed as a successor.
Ownership Dynamics: Jimmy Haslam's Influence
There’s growing speculation that team owner Jimmy Haslam wants a star quarterback to energize the fanbase. With Deshaun Watson’s contract becoming increasingly controversial and Pickett offering lukewarm hope, Sanders — with name recognition and highlight-reel potential — could be elevated faster than planned.
Historically, Haslam hasn’t shied away from pushing for changes, and if the Browns begin the season poorly, a push to feature Sanders by midseason (Week 6-8) seems highly plausible.
Risk Assessment: Playing Too Soon?
The biggest risk for Sanders is being rushed into action:
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Offensive line struggles could hurt his development and confidence.
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Defensive disguises and pressure packages in the NFL are vastly more complex than college.
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If thrown into a chaotic or losing environment, his long-term trajectory could suffer.
This is why Tony Grossi and others preach patience — suggesting that while Sanders has tools, he needs mental reps, film study, and perhaps a year of grooming.
Prediction: When Does Shedeur See the Field?
Here are the likely paths for Sanders’ 2025 season:
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Week 1 Starter (20% chance): Requires flawless preseason and poor showings from Pickett/Flacco.
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Midseason Debut (50% chance): Most likely if the Browns are 2–5 or worse, and Sanders shows progress in practice.
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Late-Season Showcase (20% chance): If the team is out of playoff contention, he may start in Weeks 14–18 to evaluate long-term viability.
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Redshirt Year (10% chance): Least likely scenario unless Flacco/Pickett drastically exceed expectations.
Final Verdict: More Than a Long Shot
Despite being a fifth-rounder, Shedeur Sanders is not your average Day 3 QB. With:
...he is poised to make a meaningful impact in 2025, whether as a midseason starter or developmental piece with late-season appearances.
The Browns’ quarterback instability might just be the unexpected break Sanders needs — and if he capitalizes, he could change the franchise’s trajectory just as his father once changed the NFL.