The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition is wide open heading into the 2025 season, with several names in the mix and no clear favorite just yet. But one offseason comment from a Browns legend has sparked a new wave of buzz around the team’s most intriguing rookie.
That rookie is Shedeur Sanders, and he’s not just impressing teammates and coaches. One of Cleveland’s all-time greats is already calling his shot.
Hanford Dixon Believes Shedeur Sanders Will Take Over in Cleveland
Hanford Dixon isn’t known for throwing around praise lightly. But when the former Browns cornerback spoke about Sanders on “The Hanford Dixon Show,” there was no hesitation in his voice.
“I think before long, Shedeur is going to show everybody that he is the man,” said Dixon.
🗣️ Hanford Dixon didn’t stutter: pic.twitter.com/4FEwGvU8f5
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) June 15, 2025
For Sanders, that kind of endorsement only amplifies the attention already building around him. Despite being selected after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel and currently sitting behind veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, Sanders has dominated the Browns’ offseason buzz.
The numbers back it up. During five practices open to the media, Sanders led all Cleveland quarterbacks in completion percentage (77.4%) and total touchdown passes (nine), according to ESPN Cleveland. What’s earned even more respect behind the scenes? His work ethic. Sanders has stayed late after practice to build chemistry with his receivers, a gesture not lost on coaches or teammates.
Sanders Is Forcing Cleveland To Rethink its QB Depth Chart
There’s no guarantee Sanders sees the field in 2025. There’s not even a guarantee he makes the active roster.
But the Browns are at a strange crossroads. Deshaun Watson remains sidelined due to multiple Achilles injuries. The team added Gabriel in the third round before circling back for Sanders two rounds later. Now, general manager Andrew Berry isn’t ruling anything out, even keeping all four healthy quarterbacks on the roster.
“Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely … if they all play well enough,” Berry told Yahoo Sports when asked if Cleveland could keep the full group intact.
It’s an unusual stance, but this is an unusual room. The Browns went 3-14 last season and gave up 66 sacks. That kind of chaos demands clarity at quarterback, something Cleveland still doesn’t have.
Sanders’ Attitude Wins Over Cleveland Locker Room
Before the draft, there were whispers that Sanders had underwhelmed during interviews with several teams. But if that raised any red flags, Sanders has erased them in a matter of weeks. Even Myles Garrett lauded the young star.
“He’s come to camp and OTAs with a great attitude,” defensive star Garrett told reporters. “He’s a hard-working guy, he has a good head on his shoulders. He’s always positive, always optimistic, always puts a smile on his face. You like going to work with people who have that kind of attitude.”