The Browns paid a heavy price last year when HC Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry paid no attention to their dwindling quarterback room. Once Deshaun Watson got injured, they were left with only Jameis Winston and Bailey Zappe. In the end, they finished fourth in the AFC North division.
This year, they drafted two quarterbacks: Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel. Moreover, they signed Joe Flacco from the Colts and Kenny Pickett from the Eagles. The question looming large is who will start at quarterback. They need answers fast, as the competition is heating up.
With their five-way quarterback competition, the Browns are evaluating everything—skills, technique, physical performance, and tactical decision-making. Amid strong competition from Shedeur Sanders, analysts are predicting a performance similar to last year for the 40-year-old Joe Flacco. As the Colts’ signal-caller in 2024, he played eight games (starting six), with a 2–4 win-loss record. He completed 162 of 248 passes (65.3% completion rate) for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
During the May 19 episode of Fox Sports, ex-NFLer Geoff Schwartz told the host Colin Cowherd that writing was on the wall for Joe Flacco. He said, “So I think that right now, I think Flacco starts the year as a quarterback. At some point, though, Sanders overtakes him and gets him because Flacco gives you only so much. We saw it in Indy last year. They tried to bench Richardson for Flacco. Lasted like two weeks. So I think Sanders will eventually play. But probably not start the season.” That’s some bold prediction.
Everything will get clear around July. The first signal caller on the HC’s mind is Deshaun Watson. They will wait for an update on his health. But the rookies are intensifying the battle. It will make the spot tough for the veterans to retain. After failures in the last 3 seasons, they want results this year, no matter what.
The fans’ hopes are sky high after Shedeur Sanders‘ impressive performance in the rookie practice. Former NFL GM Scot McCloughan has already predicted that the Colorado QB will be the best signal caller out of this draft.
Shedeur Sanders impresses in rookie practice
After all the hype about the rookie being arrogant, he wasted no time in proving everyone wrong. Reports flew out of the minicamp that the 5th-round pick practiced 20 minutes extra after every practice during the rookie sessions. It was a testament to his dedication and commitment to improve and become a franchise quarterback.
Moreover, many reports later came that Shedeur Sanders never missed a pass. Everything went on perfectly, giving the Browns confidence to sign the rookie contract with him. On May 19, they signed a four-year, $4.6 million contract. Although it’s much less than what he would have made if he had been drafted in the first round, he is now in a spot from which he can aim to perform and create generational wealth.
Calling out his haters for believing their perspective instead of truth, the rookie said during the press conference, “My job here isn’t to prove people wrong, it’s to prove myself right.” It’s awe-inspiring! With all eyes set on gaining the top spot, expect some more groundbreaking works from the young boy.
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