The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition has taken another unexpected turn, and it’s one that could redefine how the franchise approaches its offensive identity heading into the 2025 NFL season. Shedeur Sanders, the highly publicized and scrutinized prospect with a magnetic presence and elite pedigree, entered training camp with a clear opportunity to secure the starting job. But now, a new wrinkle has emerged—not in the form of a new player but through an increasingly resonant comparison: Kenny Pickett is being likened to a young Baker Mayfield. That revelation has thrown a spotlight on not just Pickett’s resurgence, but also how the Browns’ coaching staff may view the future of their quarterback room. For Sanders, this is more than just another hurdle—this is a defining moment that could determine whether he launches as the next face of the franchise or waits behind a reinvigorated veteran.
At first glance, the comparison might feel like a superficial media storyline, the kind that comes and goes in the heat of July camp practices. But the link between Pickett and a younger version of Mayfield isn’t just about playing style or arm angles. It’s about energy. It’s about command of the huddle. It’s about the ability to galvanize a locker room. According to team insiders and a growing chorus of camp observers, Kenny Pickett has begun to display a level of confidence and leadership that echoes what Mayfield brought to Cleveland during his early years, particularly his 2020 season when he led the Browns to their first playoff victory in over two decades. That kind of intangible spark—call it charisma, swagger, or moxie—is exactly the trait that defined Mayfield’s early success in the NFL and what Pickett seems to be channeling at just the right moment.
There’s no denying that Shedeur Sanders has talent. His deep-ball accuracy, mobility, and poise under pressure have been showcased throughout OTAs and minicamp, and he’s looked like a pro quarterback from the start. But NFL quarterback competitions are not always decided solely by arm talent or footwork. There’s a human element at play—trust, chemistry, and momentum—and Pickett is gaining ground fast in those departments. After a rocky stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he failed to develop consistent rhythm and struggled with injuries, Pickett came into Cleveland as a presumed backup or insurance policy. But something shifted over the past two weeks. His timing has improved. His reads have been sharper. And most importantly, he’s taking control of the offense like someone who feels this is his team to lead.
What makes the Mayfield comparison particularly potent is how Browns fans remember that version of Baker—the underdog with a chip on his shoulder, leading Cleveland out of the NFL cellar and into postseason relevance. For a franchise that has long searched for consistency at quarterback, even the brief flash of hope Mayfield provided remains a nostalgic touchpoint. When Kenny Pickett starts showing some of those same qualities, people take notice. Coaches have quietly commented on his improved mechanics and increased vocal leadership. Teammates have praised his resilience, noting how he’s bounced back from adversity and keeps grinding, day in and day out.
That leaves Shedeur Sanders in an interesting spot. The buzz surrounding his arrival has not died down, but it has become more cautious. Fans and analysts alike recognize his upside, but they’re also beginning to acknowledge the steep learning curve he faces in adjusting to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. While Sanders has made highlight-reel throws and flashed moments of brilliance, there have also been signs of growing pains—miscommunications with receivers, holding the ball too long, or locking in on his first read. Those are not unusual for a rookie, but in a tight competition, every rep matters. And when the guy next to you is suddenly drawing praise for being “a young Baker Mayfield,” the margin for error shrinks considerably.
Internally, the Browns coaching staff is still evaluating all options. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has remained publicly noncommittal, repeating standard lines about letting competition play out and wanting the best player to win the job. But privately, sources say there’s growing respect for what Pickett is bringing to the table. He’s more comfortable in the pocket, quicker in his decision-making, and showing the kind of leadership that keeps the offense moving with rhythm and purpose. Some have even gone as far as saying that Pickett looks more polished than he ever did during his Steelers tenure, attributing the turnaround to the fresh environment and a coaching staff that is tailoring the offense more to his strengths.
Of course, comparisons to Baker Mayfield come with both admiration and caution. While Mayfield’s early years were full of promise, his career also unraveled due to injuries, inconsistency, and clashes with coaches and teammates. The Browns are well aware of that history and are unlikely to crown anyone based solely on personality or intangibles. Still, there’s no denying the emotional pull that a player like Pickett can generate when he starts clicking with the offense and showing genuine command. If he continues trending upward in camp and delivers during preseason games, it may be hard to deny him a shot at starting Week 1.
Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders will have to rise to the occasion. This is a pressure test unlike anything he faced in college. It’s not just about out-throwing your competition in drills—it’s about absorbing the full playbook, making the right reads against disguised coverages, leading two-minute drills, and keeping the trust of the huddle even after mistakes. Sanders has all the tools and the benefit of a strong support system, including the mentorship of his father, Deion Sanders, but the NFL has a way of humbling even the most gifted rookies. If he wants to win this job, he will need to accelerate his growth and show the kind of maturity and presence that rivals what Pickett is putting on display.
The larger story here is not just about who wins the quarterback competition, but about the kind of team the Browns want to be in 2025. With an offense that features explosive weapons and a defense that can keep games close, the decision at quarterback could tilt the entire season. Do they go with the rookie phenom who might take time to develop but offers a higher ceiling? Or do they trust the more seasoned hand who’s finally playing like he has nothing to lose and everything to prove?
Fans are already split. Some are clamoring for Sanders to be thrown into the fire and learn by doing, while others are intrigued by the possibility that Pickett might have found his stride. If preseason games reinforce the current trajectory—Pickett steady and efficient, Sanders exciting but erratic—the Browns’ coaching staff may feel compelled to ride with the hot hand. That wouldn’t be a knock on Sanders; rather, it would reflect the reality that timing, not just talent, often dictates opportunity in the NFL.
For Shedeur Sanders, this comparison isn’t just about Baker Mayfield or Kenny Pickett. It’s about narrative control. It’s about ensuring that this training camp doesn’t slip away from him while media attention shifts toward a revitalized veteran. He has the skill, the attitude, and the pedigree to succeed at this level. But he now faces a new kind of adversity—one that doesn’t wear a different jersey or call a different cadence. This time, the challenge comes from inside the building, in the form of a teammate channeling the ghost of a former Cleveland hero.
What happens next will be determined in the coming weeks, with joint practices, scrimmages, and preseason snaps offering more context and clarity. But make no mistake: this is a genuine quarterback battle, and the stakes are higher than ever. The winner won’t just be the guy with the best stats or highlight throws—it’ll be the one who convinces the entire organization that he can lead this team back to relevance. Whether that’s Shedeur Sanders blazing his own trail or Kenny Pickett recapturing the spirit of Baker Mayfield, one thing is certain: the Browns’ quarterback room just got a whole lot more compelling.
