**Kenny Pickett Emerges as Frontrunner in Browns’ Quarterback Competition Over Shedeur Sanders**
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has been one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason, and recent reports from training camp suggest that veteran Kenny Pickett has taken an early lead over rookie Shedeur Sanders in the battle for the backup role behind Deshaun Watson. While many fans and analysts expected Sanders—the electrifying college star and son of Deion Sanders—to make an immediate push for the job, Pickett’s experience and steady play have given him the upper hand as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Kenny Pickett, a former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, arrived in Cleveland via trade this offseason after spending two seasons in Pittsburgh. Though his time with the Steelers was marked by inconsistency, he showed flashes of potential, particularly in his ability to manage games and make quick decisions under pressure. Now, with a fresh start in Cleveland, Pickett has reportedly looked sharp in camp, displaying improved accuracy and command of the offense.
One of the key factors working in Pickett’s favor is his familiarity with NFL defenses and offensive schemes. While Sanders was a standout at the college level, the transition to the pros is notoriously difficult for rookie quarterbacks, especially those expected to adapt quickly to complex playbooks and faster defensive rotations. Pickett’s ability to read defenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage has given him an edge in early practices, where he has consistently outperformed Sanders in situational drills.
Shedeur Sanders, who followed his father from Jackson State to Colorado and became one of the most talked-about players in college football, entered the NFL with high expectations. His poise, arm talent, and ability to extend plays made him a compelling prospect, but the jump to the NFL has presented challenges. Reports from Browns camp indicate that while Sanders has shown flashes of his playmaking ability, he has also struggled with turnovers and processing defensive coverages at NFL speed.
Sanders’ athleticism and improvisational skills are undeniable, but the Browns’ coaching staff appears to be prioritizing reliability at this stage. With Watson entrenched as the starter, Cleveland’s backup quarterback will need to be someone who can step in without a significant drop-off in execution. Pickett’s experience in similar offensive systems and his ability to operate within structure have made him the safer choice—at least for now.
The Browns are a team with playoff aspirations, and the backup quarterback position carries extra weight given Watson’s recent injury history. Watson has missed significant time over the past two seasons, and if he were to go down again, the Browns would need a quarterback who can keep the offense afloat. Pickett’s prior starting experience—including games against AFC North rivals—gives him a clear advantage in this regard.
Sanders, while talented, would be a high-risk, high-reward option if forced into action early. His ceiling is undoubtedly high, but the Browns may prefer to let him develop without the immediate pressure of being the primary backup. If Pickett secures the No. 2 job, Sanders could still see the field in specialized packages or as a developmental project, but the team seems inclined to lean on Pickett’s readiness for now.
The quarterback competition has drawn strong reactions from Browns fans, many of whom were excited about the potential of Sanders. His celebrity status, combined with his dynamic playing style, made him an instant fan favorite, and some supporters are eager to see him get a chance sooner rather than later. However, the coaching staff’s apparent preference for Pickett suggests they are prioritizing short-term stability over long-term upside—at least for the moment.
That said, Sanders’ progression throughout the season will be worth monitoring. If he can refine his decision-making and adjust to the speed of the NFL game, he could push for more playing time as the year progresses. Meanwhile, Pickett’s performance in preseason games will be critical in solidifying his hold on the backup role. A strong showing could even reignite discussions about his potential as a future starter, whether in Cleveland or elsewhere.
While it’s still early in the process, Kenny Pickett’s lead in the Browns’ quarterback competition underscores the value of experience in the NFL. Shedeur Sanders may have the higher ceiling, but Pickett’s polish and preparedness have given him the early advantage. As training camp continues and preseason games begin, the dynamics could shift, but for now, Pickett appears to be the favorite to serve as Watson’s primary backup.
The Browns’ decision will have significant ramifications for their season. If Watson stays healthy, the backup role may not be a major factor. But if history repeats itself, Cleveland will need either Pickett or Sanders to step up in a big way. Based on early returns, the team seems to be betting on Pickett’s readiness to answer that call.
For Sanders, the journey is just beginning. His talent is undeniable, and with time, he could very well develop into the franchise quarterback many believe he can be. But in the immediate future, Kenny Pickett’s steady hand looks like the safer choice for a Browns team looking to make a deep playoff run.
