In a dramatic turn of events, Shedeur Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision came amid intense speculation about his draft stock, especially considering the multiple quarterbacks already chosen in earlier rounds. Following the draft, questions have arisen regarding the implications of Sanders’ addition to the team, particularly concerning the quarterback dynamics within the Browns’ roster, which now includes notable names such as Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and rookie Dillon Gabriel, besides the incumbent Deshaun Watson.
This article aims to analyze the potential pathways for Sanders and the other quarterbacks on the Browns’ roster. It will also explore what each player’s future might look like, the ramifications of Watson’s injury, and the overall quarterback strategy for the upcoming NFL season. We delve deeper into each signal-caller attached to the Browns and what prospects lie ahead for the team.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Overview of Shedeur Sanders’ Selection |
| 2) Kenny Pickett’s Prospects in Cleveland |
| 3) Joe Flacco’s Experience and Future |
| 4) Dillon Gabriel’s Position and Trade Potential |
| 5) Deshaun Watson’s Injury and Long-Term Outlook |
Overview of Shedeur Sanders’ Selection
Shedeur Sanders’ journey in the 2025 NFL Draft has captivated many, particularly due to the unexpected twists surrounding his selection. Known for his exceptional college career at Colorado, Sanders was initially projected to be a top-five pick. However, as the draft unfolded, various factors contributed to his drop to the fifth round, when the Browns made a bold move to trade up and acquire him as their latest quarterback. The implications of this choice extend beyond his mere selection; it shapes the dynamics of Cleveland’s quarterback room significantly.
Cleveland’s decision to draft Sanders raises questions about their future direction, especially concerning their existing quarterbacks. As expectations grow around Sanders due to his stellar collegiate performance, the Browns face pressure to creatively integrate him within their offense. With Cleveland hoping to revitalize their struggling performance from previous seasons, Sanders represents both a beacon of hope and a potential source of internal competition.
Kenny Pickett’s Prospects in Cleveland
The inclusion of Kenny Pickett in the Browns’ quarterback mix adds an interesting layer to the team’s plans for the upcoming season. At just 26 years old, Pickett isn’t only young, but has accumulated 25 career starts under his belt, bringing experience into the competitive environment of Cleveland. His performance has shown promise, with a record of 15 wins and 10 losses, including a notable 13-4 record in his last 17 starts, demonstrating his capability as a signal-caller.
With Sanders now in the fold, the chances of Pickett establishing himself as the Browns’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season become a complex calculus. While he represents the most logical choice due to his experience and familiarity with Cleveland’s playbook, the uncertainty surrounding the competition leads to various possibilities. Many analysts speculate that if the Browns decide to trade a quarterback, Pickett might be the most logical option given that he left his previous team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, following a Super Bowl win but struggled to secure a lasting spot.
Joe Flacco’s Experience and Future
In the wake of Sanders’ and Pickett’s presence, Joe Flacco may find his experience vital during this transition phase for the Browns. At 40 years old, Flacco’s prospect of being traded is dwindling, yet his historical performance—including leading the team to the playoffs in recent years—earns him significant respect among both teammates and management. The Browns decided to retain Flacco largely due to his previous contributions and leadership qualities, which may become beneficial once again.
The best-case scenario for the Browns would involve Flacco stepping up to lead the team effectively, potentially steering them towards a successful season. However, if the team’s performance falters under his command, Cleveland could find itself in a prime position for a high draft pick in 2026, which could attract a top quarterback prospect, should they decide to pursue that path.
Dillon Gabriel’s Position and Trade Potential
Another intriguing player on the depth chart is Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted in the third round. Gabriel’s status suggests a more secure position than Pickett’s, but the fact remains that the Browns are unlikely to keep four quarterbacks on the roster. Gabriel’s competition for the backup position promises to be rigorous, particularly against Sanders, who was highly regarded during the pre-draft evaluations.
Should Gabriel perform well in the preseason, he may find himself as a desirable trade asset for teams seeking young quarterback talent. The concept of trading him is attractive, yet the return would realistically need to match or exceed the value of a third-round pick, which complicates potential discussions. It brings into focus the balance Cleveland must strike between competition and consolidation ahead of the regular season.
Deshaun Watson’s Injury and Long-Term Outlook
The dynamics of the Browns’ quarterback situation are further complicated by Deshaun Watson‘s Achilles injury, which may prevent him from contributing significantly in the 2025 season. Notably, Watson is still under contract until 2026, but it’s becoming increasingly likely that his time in Cleveland may be nearing its end. The Browns are unlikely to part ways with him this year given the significant dead cap costs involved but could start considering his long-term replacement.
Various scenarios could unfold depending on how the season progresses. If Watson recovers successfully but faces challenges in reclaiming his starting position, he may serve as a backup or even act as a bridge quarterback for future draft picks. This ambiguity surrounding Watson’s health and performance may lead the Browns to be cautious in their approach to the upcoming season.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cleveland Browns selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. |
| 2 | Kenny Pickett holds the strongest chance of becoming the starting quarterback amidst competition. |
| 3 | Joe Flacco’s considerable experience could play a pivotal role for the team this season. |
| 4 | Dillon Gabriel, as a third-round pick, may become a trading asset due to competitive depth. |
| 5 | Deshaun Watson’s injury forecast adds complexity to the Browns’ quarterback roster dynamics. |
Summary
The unfolding circumstances around the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation reveal unique insights into both the immediate and future strategies of the franchise. With Shedeur Sanders joining an experienced quarterback roster that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel, the dynamics promise to create both healthy competition and strategic decision-making as the team heads into the 2025 season. As fans eagerly await to see how these athletes will integrate into the team’s plans, the key theme remains the unyielding pursuit of improvement within a franchise striving to make its mark in the NFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What does Shedeur Sanders bring to the Browns?
Shedeur Sanders adds a promising talent and significant upside to the Browns’ quarterback room, drawing from a notable collegiate career that raised expectations for his potential in the NFL.
Question: How does Deshaun Watson’s injury affect team planning?
Watson’s injury creates uncertainty for the Browns, potentially sidelining him for the season and bringing into question his long-term role with the team.
Question: What are the potential outcomes for Kenny Pickett this season?
Kenny Pickett could emerge as the starting quarterback, although his status is complicated by the presence of other drafted quarterbacks like Sanders and Gabriel, which may also make him a trade option.
