The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition is heating up, with reports suggesting a potential path for rookie Shedeur Sanders to claim the starting role, though insiders like Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer remain skeptical. Cabot believes that veterans Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett are more likely to start in September, citing the team’s grueling early schedule and the expectation to win games immediately. “I keep thinking that the Browns will end up starting a veteran because of the grueling early part of the schedule, and because they have such a veteran roster counting on winning games this season,” Cabot wrote. Flacco’s familiarity with Kevin Stefanski’s offense and Pickett’s rapid learning curve make them strong contenders, especially as they vie to connect with top pass-catchers like Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku while minimizing turnovers. The Browns’ opening game against the Cincinnati Bengals, led by 2024 MVP finalist Joe Burrow, and a Week 2 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, who finished 12-5 last season, underscore the need for a proven starter.
The presence of veterans like guard Joel Bitonio and pass-rusher Myles Garrett, who are committed to winning, further complicates Sanders’ path. Both players were part of the 2023 team that saw Flacco lead the Browns to four wins in five games and a playoff berth, the only active quarterback with in-game experience under Stefanski. This history lends weight to the argument for starting a veteran, despite Sanders’ impressive spring performances. As of Monday morning, FanDuel Sportsbook listed Flacco as the betting favorite at +116 odds to be the Week 1 starter, with Pickett at +230 and Sanders at +310. Cabot noted that Sanders, while showing promise, has primarily worked with the fourth team and has a long way to go, especially as he prepares for the mandatory minicamp from Tuesday through Thursday. The pressure is on Sanders to make a leap during these sessions, amidst calls from some fans for an early start against the Bengals on September 7.
The Browns’ quarterback room is a fascinating battleground, with Sanders’ potential pitted against the experience of Flacco and Pickett. The team’s early schedule, featuring tough opponents, demands a steady hand, and the veterans’ track records give them an edge. However, Sanders’ upside cannot be ignored, and his performance in minicamp could shift the narrative. The 2025 season is on the horizon, and for the Browns, it’s about balancing immediate needs with long-term potential. The mandatory minicamp will be a critical test, and for Sanders, it’s an opportunity to prove he can handle the pressure. The NFL’s a tough place, and for the Browns, it’s about making the right call at quarterback, a decision that could define their season. Stay tuned, because this story’s got legs, and for Sanders, it’s about seizing the moment or waiting his turn.
