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7 hours ago
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The Cleveland Browns are up and running at training camp, and their four-way quarterback battle is in full swing. The decision is shaping up to be much tougher than expected — and it’s going to be a wild one to watch. After an impressive showing during OTAs, Shedeur Sanders appears to have a legitimate shot at earning the QB1 spot.
“The good news for Sanders, the Browns’ fifth-round pick out of Colorado, is that he performed so well over the final two weeks of spring ball that he’ll come back for training camp with a legitimate shot to compete for the starting job, at least in the early going,” Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot wrote.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, all of the quarterbacks competing for the starting role are expected to get first-team reps. Ultimately, it will come down to how each performs — though for Sanders, this may be his first real test against an NFL pass rush.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones believes the Browns are unlikely to cut either Dillon Gabriel or Sanders. Instead, the odd man out could be one of the veterans: Kenny Pickett or Joe Flacco.
“If Dillon Gabriel wins the battle against Shedeur Sanders in the battle of the rookies, I actually don't see Shedeur Sanders going to the practice squad. If Shedeur Sanders beats Dillon Gabriel, I don't see Dillon Gabriel going to the practice squad. And I also don't see the Cleveland Browns keeping four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster..." said Jones. “Well, who goes? The answer to that is whoever is the loser of Joe Flacco versus Kenny Pickett. Andrew Berry, the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, he loathes cutting his draft picks. This is a team that always holds on to its draft picks far more than average NFL team.”
For now, the presumed starter is Joe Flacco, which could put Kenny Pickett at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, Sanders and Gabriel will continue to develop — and one of them may be ready to take over the starting role at some point during the season.
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