It only takes one training camp to turn a rookie into a lightning rod for debate. That is precisely where Shedeur Sanders finds himself with the Cleveland Browns, caught in a quarterback battle already sparking heated talk. It is as much about the coaches’ choices as the players’ arms. With doubts about whether Sanders will even get his real shot, fans are left wondering: Is this a four-man race, or are coaches just going through the motions?
Will Shedeur Sanders Win the Cleveland Browns QB1 Role?
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition has become a hot topic before training camp. According to Tony Rizzo, host of “The Big Reality Show” on ESPN Cleveland, the talk of a four-man race for QB1 is a stretch. While many suggest the Browns have a legitimate battle across the depth chart, Rizzo is not buying it.
On Tuesday morning, Rizzo shot down the idea that every signal-caller has a real shot in Cleveland. The Dawg Pound quarterback room has been a story, with veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel drawing most of the attention as the leading competitors.
However, Rizzo believes a fourth quarterback, offseason addition Kenny Pickett, stands out. Pickett joined the Browns through a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles and, according to Rizzo, will get the first look at training camp.
“I think Pickett has the chance first, and I think they want to see Gabriel sooner rather than later,” said Rizzo.
“I think Pickett has the chance first and I think they want to see Gabriel sooner rather than later,” – @TheRealTRizzo does NOT think the Browns actually have a true 4 man QB competition in training camp.
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/Y0q479PPJd
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 22, 2025
Rizzo made it clear that Flacco’s place in the pecking order remains a question mark.
“Now, where Flacco fits in, I have no idea,” Rizzo continued. “And Shedeur, they didn’t give him a chance against the first team for a reason.”
This approach splits the quarterback room: Pickett and Gabriel seem likelier to take the top spots, while Sanders and Flacco appear outside looking in for now. Still, Rizzo’s view has pushed fans and analysts to take a closer look at every angle heading into camp.
Why Might Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel Lead the Way for the Browns?
Digging deeper, Rizzo does not agree with the Browns’ reported reasoning for keeping Sanders away from first-team action during minicamp. He calls the logic “BS” and argues that the simplest way to see if Sanders is ready is to let him get first-team snaps.
Rizzo did not hold back, urging the team to “give the kid a chance,” but the Browns have made it clear Sanders must wait his turn. As things stand, Flacco and the younger additions may be ahead of Sanders in the coaching staff’s eyes.
Rizzo laid out his perceived depth chart like this:
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- Pickett
- Gabriel
- Flacco
- Sanders
That order tracks what fans have seen from the Browns throughout the offseason. With training camp about to ramp up, and each quarterback bringing a different style and storyline, things could change quickly before kick-off against division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, on Sept. 7.