The Cleveland Browns‘ search for an elite quarterback continues. But the answer might already be in the building—and Kevin Stefanski should know that quarterback is Shedeur Sanders.
In the past decade alone, the Browns have started 19 different quarterbacks. As surprising as that sounds, it highlights how unstable the position has been for the AFC North franchise.
Despite numerous attempts to find their franchise QB, none have truly stuck. Now, with another decision looming, the Browns find themselves in a crowded quarterback room—but the choice shouldn’t be that complicated.
Shedeur Sanders: The easiest decision Kevin Stefanski has for the Browns
As of today, the Browns have five quarterbacks competing for a roster spot. Deshaun Watson and Joe Flacco appear to lead the race, with Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders vying for backup roles.
The last two joined Cleveland via the 2025 NFL Draft—Gabriel first, then Sanders. Once projected as a Day 1 or Day 2 pick, Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round, in one of the most shocking draft slides in recent memory.
Why did Sanders fall all the way to No. 144 overall? It remains unclear. Many analysts believe the influence of his father and college coach, Deion Sanders, made some NFL teams nervous, fearing behind-the-scenes drama or coaching conflict.
Others cited concerns about his readiness. Reports suggested his pre-draft interviews didn’t go well, leading teams to question whether he was mentally prepared for the responsibility of being a starting quarterback.
Regardless of the speculation, Shedeur Sanders has been working hard to silence his critics. Here are three reasons why Kevin Stefanski should include him on the Browns’ final 53-man roster—and ultimately prepare him to be the future QB1 in Cleveland.
1. A perfect opportunity to prove everyone wrong
NFL history is full of players who were overlooked and went on to greatness. The most iconic case? Tom Brady, drafted 199th overall, who finished his career with seven Super Bowl rings.
Curiously, Sanders has often cited Brady as his role model. Like Brady, he comes into the NFL as a low-round pick with something to prove. That chip on his shoulder could fuel the work ethic and mental toughness necessary to succeed.
Sanders not only enters the league as a fifth-round pick—he’s not even guaranteed a roster spot. That underdog status may be exactly what pushes him to go all in, fight harder, and prove he’s the star many believe he can be.
2. A potential franchise quarterback at a very low cost
As a fifth-round pick, Sanders is set to make just $4.6 million over four years. If he turns out to be the Browns’ franchise quarterback, this would be one of the best value picks in recent team history.
Before the draft, many scouts ranked Sanders as the second-best QB in the 2025 class. There’s no question he has the physical tools to elevate Cleveland’s offense. If he can correct the issues that caused his draft slide, this may go down as the steal of the draft.
A similar path was taken by Brock Purdy, the last pick in the 2022 draft. Despite being buried on the depth chart, Purdy beat out Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, ultimately leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.
Like Purdy, Sanders seems to thrive on doubt and pressure. According to scouts, he has the mindset of someone who believes he’s a franchise QB—and the Browns should give him the chance to prove it.
3. Immaturity means there’s room to grow
Reports say Sanders fell in the draft due to poor interview performances. Teams saw him as unprepared or immature. But who says he has to be a finished product on Day 1?
Shedeur Sanders just turned 23 in February. Some players enter the league NFL-ready; others take time to adapt. That doesn’t mean they won’t eventually flourish.
According to team insiders, the Sanders that arrived in Cleveland is not the same player they’re seeing now in minicamp. He’s reportedly more focused, diligent, and determined—doing everything he can to earn a spot and improve with every snap.
It may be that all of this—his draft slide, the criticism, and the intense competition—has sparked something inside him. And that fire might be exactly what he needs to become the player many thought he’d be.
Should Shedeur Sanders be the Browns’ starter in 2025? Not yet—but his time could come soon
Right now, it looks like the Browns will hand the offense to Joe Flacco to start the 2025 season. With Deshaun Watson still recovering from multiple Achilles injuries, Flacco is the most reliable option on the depth chart.
Kevin Stefanski will likely choose three quarterbacks for the final 53-man roster. The battle between Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders is tight—but according to reports, Sanders is impressing the most this offseason.
No, Shedeur Sanders may not be ready to start this year—but earning a spot on the final roster could give him the confidence and experience he needs to eventually take over the job.
And maybe—just maybe—he’ll become the franchise quarterback Browns fans have been dreaming of for decades.
SURVEY Should the Browns keep Shedeur Sanders?
Should the Browns keep Shedeur Sanders?
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