Browns QB Battle: Shedeur Sanders vs. Dillon Gabriel | Insider Outlook
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Cleveland Browns' QB room is crowded—insiders weigh offseason progress, rookie citations, and who might emerge between Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel—and veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
Rookie Competition Heats Up
Shedeur Sanders: Momentum & Minor Setbacks
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Encouraging min‑camp: Sanders has showcased accuracy and leadership, prompting fans to speculate he could overtake the QB depth chart.
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Off-field concerns: Two recent speeding tickets (101 mph, 91 mph zones) triggered criticism—Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe flagged his maturity; Browns GM Berry emphasized focus amid competition.
Dillon Gabriel: Veteran Edge & Steady Ascent
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College résumé: As a former Heisman finalist, Gabriel brings over 18,000 passing yards and strong consistency. During minicamp, he received the most reps—special emphasis on his readiness.
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Approach: Gabriel’s balanced mindset—“present and even‑keeled”—earns praise as he positions himself as a strong backup or potential short‑term starter.
Insider Insights
Equal Roster Considerations
Insider Mary Kay Cabot (Cleveland.com, SI) reports both Sanders and Gabriel are “locks to make the roster.” Browns plan to carry four QBs (including Flacco and Pickett) into training camp for strategic evaluation.
All signs point to Joe Flacco opening the season, with Kenny Pickett also in the mix. That safeguards against early rookie trials—ESPN’s Field Yates notes a rookie would need to decisively outperform to earn Week 1 start.
Production vs. Tolerance: A Delicate Balance
Former exec Mike Tannenbaum stresses that off-field behavior like Sanders’ speeding could reduce tolerance—even if performance is strong. Gabriel may benefit from fewer distractions.
NFL Wires Outlook
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Depth Chart Likelihood: Flacco and Pickett hold early advantage. Rookie roles likely come if veteran play falters.
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Sanders’ Blueprint: Must couple standout performance with disciplined conduct. Strong finish to camp could vault him into contention.
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Gabriel's Path: With consistent reps and proven college history, Gabriel is favored for strong backup duty or rotational opportunity.
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Best Case Scenario: A midseason rookie emergence—either Shepard or Gabriel—in spot starts if Browns see playoff hope or injuries.
What to Watch
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Training Camp Reps Breakdown – Who commands first-team looks?
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Off-field Conduct – Does Sanders keep focus and avoid distractions?
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Preseason Games – Performance in August match-ups could shift evaluations.
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Midseason Status – If Browns struggle, rookie QB could get a shot as decision toward 2026 looms.
Final View
Cleveland’s crowded quarterback room is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most engaging storylines. Joe Flacco leads for now, but Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel both have paths to progress. Off-field discipline, on-field execution, and training camp momentum will determine who sticks—and who steps forward as the Browns’ future.
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