Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, experienced an unexpected slide in the 2025 NFL Draft, falling to the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. Many analysts and fans alike projected Sanders, a standout quarterback from Colorado, as a potential first-round selection. This surprising turn of events has created a quarterback logjam in Cleveland, turning the Browns' quarterback situation into one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the season.
The Browns, already possessing Kenny Pickett (acquired via trade) and veteran Joe Flacco, further complicated matters by drafting both Sanders and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel. This influx of talent leaves Cleveland with a crowded quarterback room and a significant question mark about who will lead the offense.
Despite the competition, Sanders possesses a legitimate chance to see playing time in 2025. His accuracy and understanding of the game have led many to consider him the most "pro-ready" quarterback in the draft class. If given the opportunity, Sanders could quickly become a key contributor for the Browns.
Sanders' potential path to the field hinges on several factors, including his performance in training camp and the play of the quarterbacks ahead of him. The Browns' quarterback situation is further muddled by an injury to Deshaun Watson, which is expected to keep him sidelined for a significant portion of the season.
The Browns' 2025 schedule presents a challenging but exciting slate of games. They will face their AFC North rivals – the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals – twice each. Their home schedule features matchups against formidable opponents such as the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49ers. Notably, one of their home games will be played in London against the Minnesota Vikings. Road games will take them to cities including Chicago, Detroit, and Las Vegas.
Currently, the Browns' quarterback depth chart is stacked, featuring Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel, Sanders, and Watson. However, with Watson's injury, the competition for the starting role has intensified.
According to DraftKings, the odds for the Week 1 starting quarterback are tight: Flacco is currently favored at +130, followed by Pickett at +160, Sanders at +350, Gabriel at +750, and Watson as a longshot at +2000.
Flacco, coming off a playoff appearance with the Browns, brings veteran experience, but at 41 years old, his long-term prospects are uncertain. Pickett, after failing to secure a starting role in Pittsburgh, seeks a fresh start in Cleveland. While both Sanders and Gabriel are rookies, their college experience could enable them to compete for playing time immediately.
The Browns kick off their 2025 season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. Key matchups throughout the season include road games against the Ravens and Steelers, a home game against the Packers, and the international game in London against the Vikings. The season concludes with a division rivalry game on the road against the Bengals. With so much uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Browns' season promises to be one filled with intrigue and competition.