Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders' Complex Relationship With Dillon Gabriel Described by Browns Starter

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 3:36 PM ET

Key Points:

A Browns starter joined Shannon Sharpe's podcast
He was asked about the Sanders/Gabriel dynamic
The QB situation has changed dramatically

The Cleveland Browns moved on from Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett earlier this season and decided to place their trust in a pair of rookies, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, heading toward the second half of the 2025-26 season.

The Browns' decision was made after careful observation from head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff, a group that now has the Browns in a familiar position with the New England Patriots on deck this Sunday.

The Browns are far from a Super Bowl contender but the hope is that either Gabriel, Sanders or both players take the team by the reins and are able to translate their immense college success to the pro level.

On Thursday, a Cleveland Browns starter detailed the complex relationship between Gabriel and Sanders as they both lead he and Stefanski's team forward.

Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) leaves the field following the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Judkins Speaks on Sanders/Gabriel

The Browns' rookie running back joined the 'Nightcap' show with Shannon Sharpe and Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson to discuss his team's QB room.

Much has been made of the complex relationship between rookie QBs Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Judkins decided to clear the air.

"How's the quarterback look?" Sharpe asked. "He started out, Gabriel gets drafted and Shedeur comes in, and we know what that last name brings, you got, Joe Flacco, you got Pickett, okay, we gonna move in we gonna go in this direction," Sharpe continued.

"Has that, quarterback, the situation with Gabriel, with Shedeur, is he gonna start, is he gonna get reps, is he gonna play? Has that impacted the locker room in any way?"

"Naw," Judkins said. "I think with our team, we all so close, and we got so many young guys, man, in our locker room...It's almost like you in college again it feels like," he added.

Sanders, Gabriel's 'Competitive' Relationship

"Man, it's just like the energy there, regardless of who playin', those two guys, they always support each other man," Judkins said.

"It was a clip I seen on the Internet the other day and it was like, them walking down the sideline and just talkin' laughin' about, I think we had just scored a touchdown or somethin'," Judkins continued.

"But that's who they genuinely are, they truly are, they are competitive but at the same time they want what's best for each other. And I don't think it's ever been turmoil or any words said by anybody on our team about, like, who's our quarterback, we all 100% support Dillon," Judkins said.

"He's super talented, bro, he's like super smart, processes really fast and he's a great player so I'm excited to see how he develop in his career."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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