The Cleveland Browns made headlines with their decision to trade up for Shedeur Sanders, selecting the quarterback with the 144th pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This move has ignited a debate among analysts regarding Sanders' future in Cleveland, where he will compete against a crowded quarterback room that includes Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett.

While some pundits see Sanders as a potential franchise quarterback, others doubt his chances of even making the roster. Speculation abounds around the possibility of the Browns trading or releasing him if he fails to impress during training camp. One intriguing scenario suggests he could be sent to the Jacksonville Jaguars to reunite with Travis Hunter, his former Colorado teammate. However, with Trevor Lawrence established as the starter and Nick Mullens as the backup, Sanders would face a challenging path to playing time.

The Cleveland Browns are set for an intriguing quarterback competition this offseason, particularly with Deshaun Watson's Achilles injury potentially sidelining him in 2025. In response, the front office has assembled a diverse group of quarterbacks, including veteran Joe Flacco, who previously won NFL Comeback Player of the Year with the franchise in 2023. The Browns also traded for Kenny Pickett and drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, marking the first time since 1971 an NFL team picked two quarterbacks in the first five rounds.

With four quarterbacks now competing for the starting position, it is uncertain who will emerge as QB1 for Week 1. FanDuel Sportsbook has Joe Flacco as the favorite, followed closely by Kenny Pickett. Shedeur Sanders’ odds are notably better than those of Dillon Gabriel, raising questions about the Browns' decision-making in the draft process.

As the Cleveland Browns continue to prepare for the upcoming season, the quarterback position has become a central topic of debate among fans and analysts alike. Oddsmakers have weighed in, presenting divergent predictions on who will take the starting role. BetOhio.com currently favors Kenny Pickett at +100, indicating a 50% likelihood of him being QB1. Joe Flacco, signed in March, follows at +350 with a 22.2% probability.

However, Bookies.com presents a different outlook, positioning Flacco as the frontrunner at +124, while also listing rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel as potential starters. The uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson, struggling with injury and seemingly out of the picture, adds another layer of complexity. His odds range widely, marking a significant concern for Browns fans.

The Cleveland Browns have made significant moves in the 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on strengthening their defense and quarterback competition. Trading out of the second overall pick was a calculated risk, allowing them to select interior defensive lineman Mason Graham, who boasts an impressive college run-defense grade of 92.6. This addition aims to bolster the defensive front alongside Myles Garrett, enhancing their run-stopping capabilities.

The Browns also made a notable choice by adding quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round, alongside fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, creating a layered competition in the quarterback room that includes veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. This competition is expected to be one of the major storylines as the team heads into training camp.

The Cleveland Browns have opted not to exercise the fifth-year contract option for quarterback Kenny Pickett, which could have been worth over $22 million. This decision follows the Browns' drafting of rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, indicating a shift in their quarterback strategy. Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickett's option was inherited by the Browns through a trade with the Eagles. With the impending competition from the new rookies, the pressure is on for Pickett to prove his worth during what could be his final season on this contract.