Shedeur Sanders is currently in a tight race for the starting quarterback position with the Cleveland Browns, and it seems another star player might soon join the competition. The Cleveland Browns, entering the 2025 NFL season with both high expectations and a roster full of promise, are facing one of the most intriguing and high-stakes quarterback competitions in recent franchise history. After years of turbulence and inconsistency at the most important position on the field, the Browns have stumbled upon a conundrum few teams envy but all understand: too much quarterback talent and too few spots to give out. And while Sanders is battling fiercely for the coveted starting job, new whispers emerging from the front office suggest that the competition is about to become even more crowded—and considerably more complicated.
Shedeur, the former Colorado standout and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, entered Browns camp this offseason with momentum, swagger, and a chip on his shoulder the size of Lake Erie. After dazzling during OTAs with his sharp reads and showcasing a deep understanding of Kevin Stefanski’s modified West Coast offense, many believed Sanders was quickly ascending toward starter status. At training camp, he has only continued to impress—his poise in the pocket, accuracy on intermediate throws, and natural leadership presence have all drawn glowing remarks from veterans and staff alike. Some teammates have even gone as far as to call him a “future face of the franchise,” a rare sentiment in a locker room known for its skepticism regarding the quarterback position.
Sanders has spent the past several weeks rotating reps with returning veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose future with the organization appears murkier by the day. Watson, once viewed as the franchise’s cornerstone and the recipient of a record-setting guaranteed contract, has struggled to regain his pre-suspension form. Even more concerning, insiders have hinted that the coaching staff has grown frustrated with his erratic play and decision-making under pressure. While Stefanski has publicly stood by Watson, his actions at practice—especially the increased reps for Sanders and second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson—suggest a different story is unfolding behind closed doors.
But just as Sanders appeared to be pulling ahead of the pack, reports began surfacing late Monday evening that the Browns were actively pursuing another former Pro Bowl quarterback to bring into camp. While names have not been officially confirmed, speculation is rampant. Among the most widely circulated rumors is the potential addition of Kirk Cousins, who is still rehabbing from a season-ending Achilles injury sustained with the Minnesota Vikings. Sources close to Cousins have indicated mutual interest, especially given Stefanski’s prior experience with him during their time together in Minnesota. Cousins, known for his precision passing and cerebral approach to the game, could be a stabilizing force for a team desperate to finally contend in the AFC North.
Another possible contender reportedly on the Browns’ radar is Trey Lance, the former San Francisco 49ers first-rounder who has yet to solidify his role in the NFL but remains a tantalizing blend of athleticism and upside. Lance’s mobility and arm strength could be a strong scheme fit for a Browns offense looking to diversify its attack and build more read-option looks around running backs Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford. If Cleveland pulls the trigger on a move for Lance, it would mark a bold pivot toward youth and potential over expensive veteran stagnation.
The Browns front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry, is not expected to confirm or deny the rumors until a deal is finalized, but sources within the organization believe the quarterback room is “about to change drastically.” The potential shake-up has already created a ripple effect throughout the roster. Players, while publicly supportive of all three current quarterbacks, are beginning to quietly align themselves with the candidate they believe gives the team the best chance to win. Multiple defensive starters have reportedly voiced support for Sanders during internal discussions, noting his command in the huddle and cool demeanor under pressure. “The kid just gets it,” one anonymous veteran said. “He’s got the moxie and the smarts. You can’t teach that.”
Sanders himself has handled the escalating media frenzy with characteristic grace and maturity. Asked about the rumors of another quarterback joining the fray, he said, “I can’t control who they bring in. All I can control is how I show up every day, how I study, how I lead, and how I perform. I’ve been preparing for this moment my whole life.” His comments reflect a mindset shaped not only by his college experience at Jackson State and Colorado but also by the football-infused culture of his upbringing. With his father, Deion, offering constant mentorship and strategic insight, Shedeur has approached camp with a professional edge that belies his rookie status.
There’s also a deeper narrative developing that could change the Browns’ long-term vision. If Shedeur continues to outshine Watson and any potential new arrival, Cleveland may find themselves in a position to transition fully to a new era. That would mean parting ways with a quarterback in Watson who carries significant financial baggage and has not delivered on expectations. Trading or releasing Watson would not be a light decision, but it’s one that becomes more feasible by the week, especially if Sanders continues ascending and the team finds a willing partner to absorb part of Watson’s contract.
From a strategic standpoint, Stefanski and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt must now navigate a quarterback room filled with high-stakes egos, diverging skill sets, and very little margin for error. With the Browns’ schedule frontloaded with divisional matchups against the Bengals, Steelers, and Ravens, the team can’t afford a slow start. The quarterback who takes the field in Week 1 must not only be physically ready but mentally unshakable. Sanders has flashed that potential, but the pressure will only intensify with each passing day and each rumor of incoming competition.
The fans, too, have weighed in. On social media, the “Start Shedeur” movement has gained momentum, especially among younger Browns supporters who see him as a new hope in a franchise long plagued by quarterback purgatory. Merchandise sales for his jersey have reportedly spiked, and at open practices, chants of his name have echoed throughout the bleachers. The city of Cleveland, long waiting for a quarterback to rally around, may have found their chosen one in Sanders, but it remains to be seen whether the front office will fully commit to that vision—or hedge their bets by bringing in another name to muddy the waters.
All of this leads to an inescapable conclusion: the Browns’ quarterback saga is far from over, and the next few weeks of training camp could reshape not only the team’s 2025 campaign but the future of the franchise for years to come. Whether Sanders wins the job outright, or a new competitor emerges to push him further, one thing is certain—the battle is just heating up. And in Cleveland, where football fortunes are measured in heartbreak and hope, the stakes could not be higher.
