$14 million. That’s what Shedeur Sanders has already made, even before throwing a single NFL pass. It’s not just money. It’s proof. Proof that the kid has a market, a following, and a movement behind him. Sanders Nation is louder than ever. They fill camp fences, light up timelines, and believe in No. X likes its gospel. Then came the storm. Jimmy Haslam, unprompted, said he never planned to draft Shedeur. And Shannon Sharpe fired back on Nightcap, “Why y’all still got the man?” The message was clear: stop playing games with the rookie. Now, HC Kevin Stefanski has made a plan.
Meanwhile Sanders? He doesn’t flinch. Arm soreness keeps him from throwing in team drills, but he watches every snap. He studies. He waits. And that’s exactly how the coaches want it. No rushing, no reckless starts. No feeding him to the wolves in August. According to The Athletic‘s Zac Jackson’s report, the plan is a slow burn, not fireworks.
But when Sanders does throw? The ball jumps. Tight spirals. And here’s the kicker, he’s been the most accurate rookie QB in camp, connecting on over 71% of his passes in competitive drills. The kind of throws that make veterans look over and nod. But Jackson pointed out, “The Browns have no plans to rush Sanders into anything and want him to continue developing in their offense. If Sanders can handle pressure and off-schedule plays over the next two weeks in preseason and joint practice settings, he could position himself to play late in the season.” That’s the plan. To go slow!
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Cleveland Browns Minicamp Jun 10, 2025 Berea, OH, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 talk to the media during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Berea CrossCountry Mortgage Campus OH USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20250610_kab_bk4_066
Also, there’s an X-factor here. Shedeur’s name carries weight. Legacy weight. But in Cleveland, he’s fighting to earn his own echo. Kenny Pickett’s injury has blown the QB race wide open. If Sanders proves he can handle pressure in joint practices and preseason games, the late-season call won’t be a question. It’ll be a headline.
So here’s the choice, Cleveland, do you want the quick hit or the dynasty piece? Stefanski’s betting patience will turn a $14 million rookie into the quarterback this city’s been chasing for decades.
Kevin Stefanski has chosen his starter
No announcement. No pomp. Just Joe Flacco, showing up again and again. Throw after throw. Rep after rep. While competitors fall to the sidelines, the 39-year-old calmly asserts himself as QB1 in Cleveland.
Kenny Pickett is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Shedeur Sanders battles arm soreness. In their absence, Flacco, the most reliable option, has consolidated control. He knows Kevin Stefanski’s offense like second nature, reads, tempo, timing, the works.
Camp insiders confirm, “He’s consolidated his position.” Flacco has been surgically precise in red zone work. In live drills on Day 8, he completed 9-of-13 passes and hit multiple touchdown throws, one striking Jamari Thrash in goal-line work, another into tight coverage to Jerry Jeudy before a breakup.
Day 9 brought full pads back, intense team drills, and Flacco delivered again. His connection with undrafted rookie Gage Larvadain produced a stunning bucket-drop touchdown. Larvadain hit the pavement after hauling it in at the back pylon, a highlight that showed Flacco’s placement remained elite under pressure.
Moreover, this isn’t a flash-in-the-pan moment. Flacco’s return to Cleveland in 2023 was textbook veteran impact: five starts, four wins, 1,616 passing yards, thirteen touchdowns, and a 90.2 passer rating. He provided calm and playoff urgency in a city desperate for it.
At 40, Flacco pushes back on retirement speculation with purpose. “I still have a lot to bring,” he told reporters, no timeline, no exit plan, just intent to play and win.
All the while, other QBs struggle. Dillon Gabriel has been erratic, showing decision-making lapses and accuracy issues. Pickett hasn’t pushed into team drills consistently. Sanders, though promising, has yet to take meaningful first-team reps due to soreness.
Kevin Stefanski asked for competition, and camp is delivering clarity instead. With Flacco steady and rookies still adjusting, the battle isn’t over. But the outcome is clear. Flacco is safe. Flacco is proven. And Flacco is the Cleveland Browns’ best option right now.
All in all, the official depth chart may still spell out competition, but Joe Flacco has written his name atop it. In a city chasing quarterback stability, he’s the closest thing to a guarantee. Let the rest catch up.
The post Kevin Stefanski’s Plan With Shedeur Sanders Revealed After Joe Flacco Sealed Browns QB Battle – Report appeared first on EssentiallySports.