The Cleveland Browns generated significant criticism for their quarterback strategy this offseason.
After signing two veterans in free agency, the organization then selected two more signal callers in the 2025 draft. The moves left many questioning the front office’s direction.
Now, the Browns roster features Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders competing for snaps.
With four quarterbacks vying for position, the long-term answer remains unclear. Logic suggests one of the rookies will emerge as the franchise solution.
Colin Cowherd believes that player is Shedeur Sanders. Moreover, Cowherd claims Cleveland accidentally discovered their solution rather than strategically identifying it.
“They did not want to draft Shedeur Sanders… And he’s crushing it. He’s their best quarterback in camp. Sometimes you stumble into success. It’s not a straight line, it’s not linear. Brady with the Patriots, Brock Purdy with the Niners, Kurt Warner with the Rams, it’s not always a straight line,” Cowherd said.
Did the Browns stumble into success with Shedeur Sanders? @colincowherd pic.twitter.com/iowF6Cpw7y
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) June 12, 2025
He suggests the Browns got fortunate when Sanders fell into their lap despite initial reluctance to select him.
The comparison to breakthrough quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, and Brock Purdy reinforces the belief that Sanders could follow a similar trajectory.
These players all exceeded expectations after unconventional paths to success.
Team leadership currently appears committed to Gabriel, which makes sense given he was their preferred draft selection.
As practice reps become more evenly distributed, the competition intensifies.
Cleveland faces a challenging opening schedule that could accelerate Sanders’ opportunity for playing time.
If the Browns struggle early with another quarterback leading the offense, pressure would mount to give the rookie a chance to prove himself.
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Kevin Stefanski Reveals Why He Likes Dillon Gabriel