The Cleveland Browns have long been a franchise searching for stability at the quarterback position, a quest that has spanned decades and cycled through dozens of passers. In 2025, that pursuit is entering one of its most intriguing and high-stakes chapters yet. At the center of it all is Shedeur Sanders—a quarterback with the poise, pedigree, and production that have made him one of the most talked-about young players in football. Yet, what was initially thought to be a clear runway for Sanders to take the reins in Cleveland has turned into a full-blown quarterback competition, and the stakes have only heightened with word that another star-caliber signal-caller may soon join the battle.
Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, has already made a name for himself apart from his father’s shadow. After a brilliant college career that saw him thrive at Jackson State and then at Colorado, Shedeur entered the NFL with considerable hype. His accuracy, command of the pocket, and ability to extend plays made him a top-tier draft pick and a cornerstone-in-waiting for a Cleveland Browns organization eager to turn the page on years of inconsistent quarterback play. The franchise envisioned Sanders as the quarterback who could finally lead them out of the wilderness and into sustained playoff contention. His preseason performance so far has only added fuel to that optimism. Coaches have praised his work ethic, leadership, and quick study of the playbook. He’s shown flashes of brilliance in camp, delivering tight-window throws and handling pressure with the kind of calm that’s rare for a rookie. His connection with star wideout Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku has been developing steadily, and he’s earned the respect of teammates with his preparation and intensity.
But the NFL is a league that waits for no one. The Browns, desperate to field a playoff-caliber team in the upcoming season, are not simply handing the keys to the offense over to Sanders without seeing him withstand the fire. Incumbent veteran Kenny Pickett, acquired from the Steelers last offseason, has refused to go quietly. Pickett, though dealing with a hamstring issue that recently sidelined him during practice, remains a legitimate contender for the job. His experience, grit, and knowledge of the AFC North landscape make him a valuable asset in the room. He may not have the ceiling of Sanders, but his floor is considerably high, and in a league where coaching jobs are constantly on the line, sometimes security matters more than potential.
Then came the whispers—first quiet, then steadily louder—that the Browns front office was eyeing another quarterback option, one that could further complicate the depth chart and elevate this competition into uncharted territory. Though the identity of this rumored quarterback has not been officially confirmed, multiple reports have linked Cleveland to a potential trade or free-agent move that would bring in a proven NFL starter. The most persistent name floated in league circles is Ryan Tannehill, a seasoned veteran whose ability to run a play-action-heavy offense and manage games with efficiency has drawn interest from several QB-needy teams. Tannehill, who recently parted ways with the Tennessee Titans, would bring with him a resume of playoff experience, locker room leadership, and just enough arm talent to challenge for immediate playing time.
If the Browns pull the trigger on that move—or one like it—it would thrust the quarterback room into a three-headed competition that few could have predicted just months ago. Sanders, Pickett, and a potential third veteran would each bring a unique blend of skills, intangibles, and question marks. Sanders represents the future, the franchise cornerstone, the face of what the Browns hope becomes a new era. Pickett is the bridge, the sturdy presence capable of steering the ship while the rookie develops. A new veteran would be the stabilizer, the insurance policy, the “just-in-case” card if both Sanders and Pickett falter or suffer setbacks.
All of this creates not just a fascinating training camp storyline, but also an organizational dilemma. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry must walk the tightrope between winning now and developing for the future. Playing Sanders too soon and watching him struggle could stunt his development and shake his confidence. Sticking with Pickett or bringing in a third quarterback could delay the inevitable passing of the torch and potentially create locker room tension. There’s also the matter of fan expectation. Browns fans have rallied around Sanders since the day he was drafted. His charisma, ties to football royalty, and college heroics have made him a fan favorite before he’s even taken a regular-season snap. Benching him in favor of a journeyman or caretaker could risk alienating a fanbase that’s been starving for something—someone—to believe in.
On the practice field, Sanders is responding the way you’d hope a future franchise quarterback would. He’s shown maturity beyond his years, not just in mechanics and command, but in how he’s handled the noise. Asked about the potential of another quarterback joining the mix, Sanders remained cool. “I’m not here to worry about who’s coming in or what people are saying. I’m here to work. I trust myself, I trust the process, and I trust this team,” he said. “The best man will win the job. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Teammates have echoed that sentiment. “Shedeur’s a baller, man,” said Browns guard Joel Bitonio. “He’s already leading huddles like a vet. But we’ve got a lot of talent in that room. Competition brings out the best in everybody.”
And competition will continue to define this saga. The Browns are scheduled to play three preseason games, each of which could serve as a referendum on who is truly prepared to lead the team into the regular season. Sanders is expected to start at least one of them, with Pickett and possibly another QB getting their turns. Every snap, every read, every throw will be analyzed. Fans and analysts alike will dissect footwork, pocket presence, decision-making, and leadership. Stefanski has already said he won’t rush the decision, noting that “this is about more than just one game or one drive. We’re looking at the total picture.”
That total picture includes more than just what happens on the field. It’s about who commands the locker room. Who adjusts best to adversity. Who studies the tape and applies it the next day. Who turns mistakes into learning moments. And, most of all, who gives the Browns the best chance to win—not just in Week 1, but in January and beyond.
The pressure is enormous. The spotlight is blinding. And the room is crowded. But Shedeur Sanders wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s built for the challenge, bred for the moment. If the Browns truly believe in his upside, they’ll give him the opportunity to seize the job—not just inherit it. And if another veteran is added, that belief will be put to the ultimate test. Can Sanders rise above the fray and prove, once and for all, that the future is now?
For the Browns, this is more than just a quarterback competition. It’s a defining moment for a franchise still seeking identity, still trying to carve out a consistent path to relevance. It’s about vision, courage, and commitment to a direction. And it’s about whether a 22-year-old quarterback from a football family can handle the weight of a franchise on his shoulders before he’s even unpacked his NFL bags.
Whether or not another big-name QB enters the room, one thing is already clear—this is Shedeur Sanders’ moment to fight for. Whether he wins the job outright or has to wait a little longer, the Browns’ quarterback future is no longer a question of if. It’s a question of when. And as the pressure mounts and the quarterback room gets more crowded, Sanders will have to prove not just that he belongs—but that he can lead. Because in Cleveland, the search for the next great quarterback might finally be over. The only thing left is to find out if Sanders is ready to claim it.
