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Major NFL insider dumps bucket of cold water on chances of Shedeur Sanders starting the season for the Cleveland Browns

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 2:10 PM ET

One thing that’s certain about the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room: it’s an intriguing one. The team currently has four healthy quarterbacks — five if you count the injured Deshaun Watson.

Cleveland is giving all four a look this spring and plans to hand the starting job to whoever gives them the best chance to win, as they look to rebound from a 3-14 season in 2024.

According to one NFL insider, the battle for the Week 1 starting job is likely to come down to two veterans.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter Pours Cold Water on Shedeur Sanders’ Week 1 Starting Chances

If you were hoping to see rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders under center to open the season, you might be in for a disappointment. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it would be a surprise if either rookie started the season as QB1.

“I think it would be an upset if Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett were not the Browns’ opening day starting QB,” Schefter said on Unsportsmanlike on ESPN. “Then you hope that one of these young guys can develop, play well, and earn that starting job.”

“I think it would be an upset if Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett were not the Browns opening day starting QB” - @AdamSchefter via @UnSportsESPN

Schefter does not rule out Shedeur Sanders playing well in camp and taking over early in the season pic.twitter.com/yhkHRTQ6ph
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 17, 2025

The Browns already know what Joe Flacco can offer. He revitalized the offense late in the 2023 season and helped Cleveland reach the playoffs. Turnovers come with the territory when it comes to Flacco, while Kenny Pickett — now entering his fourth year — is a safer option, though with less big-play upside.

Schefter believes one of the experienced quarterbacks will start the season, with the possibility of a rookie taking over later if they prove ready. Early feedback on Sanders has been promising, but fans may need to be patient before seeing the fifth-round pick in live action.

The Browns are simply searching for consistency at the quarterback position. They believe their defense is strong enough to keep them in games — but as always, the key to their season will come down to solving the most important position in football.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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