NFL News: Browns OC Tommy Rees delivers major update on Shedeur Sanders and team's QB situation

The NFL is like the wild west. It’s limited spots for a select few, so competition is fierce. This becomes especially true when we talk about the starting quarterbacks in the league. Unless you’re a certified baller with years of experience, anyone can take your place at any time. The Cleveland Browns now have four QBs fighting for that starting job. One of them, is Shedeur Sanders, one of the most interesting characters in this offseason.

At one point, Shedeur Sanders was widely projected to be a top-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, a combination of inconsistent pre-draft PR and perceived attitude concerns reportedly rubbed some front offices the wrong way. That led to a stunning slide into the fifth round, where the Browns eventually scooped him up—after already selecting Dillon Gabriel in the third. Both rookies are competing for the starting job against veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.

However, the Browns’ OC Tommy Reese gave an update on how the QB1 competition is going at a press conference today. In an extremely salomonic way, Reese stated that “you can see them all winning the job, I think, right?” Not a guy to take risks on the mic, Mr. Reese.

He also added that it’s very early in the process. “In terms of the competition, we’re so early in the process. We’re so early in evaluating that. Yeah, I think, you know, we have a good group of guys that continue to push one another, and by the time September rolls around, we’ll be ready to go.”

Dillon Gabriel #5 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 10, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.

Shedeur Sanders has impressed everyone in the building

Needless to say, all eyes are on Shedeur Sanders. Not only was he a college star, but being the son of NFL Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders, expectations are high for him. Also noteworthy, if you’re a Sanders, you’re probably going to have a big personality. This is added pressure. If you can’t back it up on the field, everything else is just a distraction.

see also

NFL News: Cam Ward and Travis Hunter exchange heated words on the Titans-Jaguars rivalry

Many believe the reason Sanders fell in the NFL Draft was that. His attitude wasn’t as humble as front offices would like, and his talent didn’t seem to be otherworldly. Well… his arm has impressed people inside the Browns’ organization.

Rees stated that Sanders is working his “tail off.” In fact, a quick search through social media will show you plenty of Shedeur’s highlights during OTAs. While not even the Browns can assure who their QB1 is, all points sign to a two-way battle between veteran Joe Flacco and Sanders.

Flacco, Sanders, Gabriel and Pickett… and Deshaun Watson?

Reports state that Kenny Pickett, former Steelers and Eagles player has looked “weak” in OTAs. Dillon Gabriel signed his rookie contract a day ago, but has seen reps with the starters. While many say it’s Flacco vs. Sanders, Gabriel will try to play spoiler as he wants to see some NFL action this year.

Having four QBs signed and not a clear starter is a problem only Cleveland could have. Oh wait, Deshaun Watson is still on the team. While his future is in the air due to injuries and an abysmal contract, it seems like the Browns are thinking he’s a thing of the past. Watson has underperformed massively and suffered catastrophic injuries during his time in Cleveland. All signs point to him being excluded for good.