At Browns minicamp, rookie Shedeur Sanders vows to win the QB1 job over Deshaun Watson. Can the 5th-round pick conquer Cleveland's QB chaos in 2024?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Forget a quiet June. Browns mandatory minicamp exploded with energy on Wednesday, and the spark came from the most unlikely of sources: fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders. With Deshaun Watson watching from the sidelines, Sanders didn't just participate; he put the entire quarterback room on notice, vowing to win the starting job and injecting a dose of swagger into a competition that will define Cleveland's season.
I'm not fighting for a roster spot. I'm fighting for QB1. That's the only job I'm here for.
While veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett went through their reps, it was the son of 'Prime Time' who stole the show. Sanders, brimming with the confidence you'd expect, backed up his bold words on the field. The highlight of the day was a beautiful deep touchdown pass he uncorked during 11-on-11 drills, a throw that had teammates and coaches buzzing. For a franchise perpetually searching for quarterback stability, Sanders' declaration to 'conquer the chaos' is a welcome jolt of optimism, even if he is still a longshot fighting for one of just three likely roster spots.
The rookie experience wasn't as glamorous for fellow first-year QB Dillon Gabriel. While Sanders thrived, Gabriel found himself face-to-face with the harsh reality of the NFL in the form of Myles Garrett. The All-Pro defensive end was a wrecking ball, consistently pressuring the offensive line and disrupting Gabriel's rhythm. It's a tough learning curve, and Wednesday served as a stark reminder that minicamp heroes can be forged—and humbled—in an instant. The contrast between the two rookies' performances only intensifies the drama.
Beyond the quarterback drama, the front office was busy managing the roster. The team signed veteran lineman Jackson Barton, who is returning from an ankle injury and will compete for a depth role. His arrival comes as undrafted rookie lineman Justin Osborne unfortunately reverted to the injured reserve list after clearing waivers, ending his season before it began. The sideline remains crowded with key players like David Njoku (knee), Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck), and Michael Hall Jr. (knee) also on the mend, reminding everyone of the depth challenges the team faces.
So, where does this leave the Browns? With a fascinating, wide-open competition. Sanders may have won the day, but Flacco brings Super Bowl MVP experience, and the team invested in Pickett as a reliable option. All four quarterbacks—Sanders, Gabriel, Flacco, and Pickett—are getting significant reps. Coaches are giving everyone a chance to prove themselves, knowing that one of them will likely hold the fate of the 2025 season in their hands while Deshaun Watson recovers. The pressure is immense, and every practice rep counts.
Wednesday was just one day in June, but it felt significant. Shedeur Sanders has thrown down the gauntlet, transforming the quarterback competition from a procedural battle into must-see TV. As minicamp wraps up, all eyes will turn to training camp in July, where the pads come on and the real evaluation begins. Will the rookie's swagger translate into sustained success, or will a veteran's poise ultimately win out? The battle for Cleveland's starting quarterback job is just getting started, and it's already shaping up to be a wild ride.
