Will Shedeur Sanders Start for the Cleveland Browns? Latest Roster Predictions

By Jason Bolton June 03, 2025 09:14

Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has quickly become one of the most talked-about figures in the Browns’ quarterback competition. Once viewed as a long shot to make the roster, Sanders is now emerging as a surprising contender for playing time, though whether he will start remains uncertain amid a crowded and competitive quarterback room.

A Crowded Quarterback Room

The Browns’ quarterback depth chart is notably congested. Veteran Joe Flacco, a proven game manager, provides leadership and stability. Kenny Pickett, a young quarterback with starting experience from his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, also commands significant attention. Additionally, Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick from Oklahoma, is another intriguing prospect in the mix. Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson remains on injured reserve and is not expected to start the season.

This depth makes Sanders’s path to a starting role challenging. CBS Sports analyst Brad Crawford highlighted the difficulty, noting, “It’s a number game for Sanders, who’s at the bottom of the quarterback pecking order within a crowded room going against an obvious frontrunner, a veteran and another rookie.” Sanders, as a fifth-round pick, entered the team with a low acquisition cost and an unknown ceiling, meaning the Browns “aren’t sure yet what they have” and need to see more from him during training camp and preseason.

Rising Momentum and Coaching Confidence

Despite the initial skepticism, Sanders has gained momentum in recent weeks. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Sanders has been receiving 11-on-11 reps during private sessions, a significant vote of confidence for a late-round rookie. These reps are not given lightly and suggest the coaching staff sees potential in Sanders that merits serious evaluation.

Sanders’s performance in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) has been promising. He completed 7-of-9 passes with three touchdowns in one session, outperforming other quarterbacks in certain drills and demonstrating accuracy and poise. His work ethic and professionalism have also drawn praise from the coaching staff, with Stefanski noting Sanders’s dedication and willingness to learn from veterans.

The Roster Spot Question

While Sanders’s rise is notable, his roster spot is not guaranteed. NFL insider James Palmer pointed out that fifth-round picks are not locks to make the team, especially in a crowded quarterback room. Palmer said, “I think either Kenny Pickett or Joe Flacco will secure the position. I don’t see a clear advantage between the two veterans, so I doubt both will remain. Shedeur is not guaranteed a roster spot. Do I believe he will? Yes”.

Financial considerations also play a role. The Browns are financially tied to veterans Flacco and Pickett at similar salary levels, which could influence decisions about who stays. Meanwhile, Gabriel’s third-round draft status makes him a likely roster fixture. This leaves Sanders in a precarious position where he must continue to impress to secure either an active roster spot or at least a place on the practice squad.

What About Starting?

As for starting, the current consensus is that Sanders is unlikely to begin the season as the Browns’ starting quarterback. The team appears to be leaning toward veterans or more experienced players in the short term while evaluating Sanders’s development. However, with injuries or performance fluctuations, Sanders could see playing time during the season. His college career at Colorado, where he threw for over 3,200 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2024, showcased his potential, but translating that to the NFL level remains a work in progress.

Shedeur Sanders’s journey with the Cleveland Browns is still unfolding. Though he faces stiff competition in a crowded quarterback room, his recent performances and coaching staff confidence have elevated his standing. While not currently projected as the starter, Sanders’s work ethic and flashes of talent keep his NFL future bright. The coming weeks of training camp and preseason will be critical for Sanders to prove he belongs on the roster and perhaps, eventually, under center.