Rising Heat in Cleveland: Shedeur Sanders vs. Dillon Gabriel Sparks Fiery Browns QB Battle With Eyes on Starting Job Amid Deshaun Watson’s Uncertain Future
As the Cleveland Browns dive headfirst into rookie minicamp, all eyes are on a quarterback battle that could shape the future of the franchise. The competition between high-profile rookie Shedeur Sanders and seasoned college veteran Dillon Gabriel is heating up fast, and with uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson’s health, the stakes have never been higher.
The Browns, a team traditionally starved for long-term quarterback stability, took a bold approach in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead of putting all their eggs in one basket, they selected two quarterbacks — Shedeur Sanders in the third round and Dillon Gabriel in the fifth — hoping one could emerge as the leader of a new era. While both signal-callers had stellar college careers, neither came into the draft as a guaranteed NFL starter, creating one of the league’s most intriguing rookie competitions.
Two Roads, One Goal
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, entered the NFL with immense hype and even higher expectations. After transforming the University of Colorado into a legitimate contender in 2024 and posting impressive numbers, many analysts projected him as a potential first-rounder. However, a shaky pre-draft process led to his slide down the board.
On the other hand, Dillon Gabriel took a longer, less glamorous route. A journeyman college quarterback, Gabriel spent time at UCF and Oklahoma before finishing his career at Oregon, where he led the Ducks to an undefeated regular season and a Big Ten Championship. Despite his success and leadership skills, questions about his size and NFL arm strength pushed him into the later rounds.
Both quarterbacks are now Browns — and both are out to prove they deserve to be more than just depth.
The Battle Begins
The Browns’ rookie minicamp kicked off this weekend with an intense spotlight on the QB position. According to ESPN’s Brad Stainbrook, Sanders looked sharper than Gabriel in the initial drills.
“Yes, it’s just the first day of rookie minicamp — but Shedeur Sanders looked sharper than Dillon Gabriel,” Stainbrook posted on X (formerly Twitter). “This is only the beginning. The competition is real, and it’s going to be one of the stories of the season.”
While Sanders won the early eye test, it was Gabriel who took the first snaps of the day — a move head coach Kevin Stefanski quickly downplayed, insisting it was simply part of the rotation and not indicative of a depth chart decision.
“We’re not reading into that,” Stefanski said. “It’s about getting everyone reps. This is the beginning of a long evaluation process.”
Veteran Presence, Uncertain Future
The rookie battle is compelling on its own, but the broader context makes it even more vital. Deshaun Watson, the team’s presumed starter, is still recovering from a second Achilles tear. His availability for the 2025 season remains up in the air, with some speculation he could miss the entire year.
That leaves the door open — if only slightly — for either Sanders or Gabriel to make a legitimate push for meaningful snaps.
Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett remain on the roster and are expected to compete for the starting job as well. Flacco, 40, proved he could still sling it during his late-season run with the Browns in 2024, and Pickett is looking for a career revival after a disappointing stint in Pittsburgh. However, neither is seen as a long-term solution.
With Watson’s health uncertain and the veterans on limited timelines, Cleveland’s coaching staff is taking a hard look at its young arms. And the competition between Sanders and Gabriel is just getting started.
Coaching and Chemistry
What could make or break both quarterbacks’ chances is how quickly they adapt to Stefanski’s playbook and form chemistry with the offense. Both Sanders and Gabriel come from fast-paced college systems, but the NFL will demand more complexity, precision, and decision-making under pressure.
Early reports suggest Sanders has the edge in arm talent and pocket presence, while Gabriel offers a more composed, cerebral approach with his years of experience. Browns QB coach Alex Van Pelt has already begun tailoring individual drills to suit both players’ strengths and weaknesses, hoping one will separate by training camp.
What’s Next?
The quarterback battle will continue through OTAs, minicamps, and into preseason. The Browns may not name a Week 1 starter until late August, particularly if Watson is unable to return. But one thing is clear: Cleveland’s future under center could very well come down to who emerges victorious between Sanders and Gabriel.
For a franchise craving consistency and leadership at quarterback, the next few months will be pivotal. Will it be the highly touted Sanders rising to meet expectations? Or will Gabriel’s grit and experience win the day?
No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: the Browns have ignited a quarterback duel
that will captivate fans all summer long.
