Shedeur Sanders: Can the Browns’ QB Find Success in 2025?

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has been a rollercoaster for years, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. After a disappointing 3-14 season in 2024, largely due to Deshaun Watson’s recurring Achilles injury, the Browns made significant changes to their QB room. Among the new faces is Shedeur Sanders, the highly-touted prospect from Colorado. But can Sanders, a fifth-round pick, truly find success in Cleveland and become the Browns’ franchise quarterback?

The Browns’ Quarterback Carousel

To understand Sanders’ potential role, it’s crucial to examine the crowded quarterback landscape in Cleveland. As of August 2025, the Browns have a staggering five quarterbacks vying for the starting job:

Joe Flacco: The veteran who led the Browns to an unexpected playoff berth in 2023 is back, providing stability and experience. However, at 40 years old, Flacco is not a long-term solution.
Kenny Pickett: Acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, Pickett is looking to revive his career after a rocky start in Pittsburgh. While he possesses some intriguing qualities, his ceiling remains uncertain.
Dillon Gabriel: Drafted in the third round, Gabriel is another rookie with potential. However, he faces an uphill battle to surpass Sanders and the veterans on the depth chart.
Tyler Huntley: The ex-Ravens backup has returned as another flyer.

With Watson’s future in Cleveland looking increasingly bleak due to his injury struggles, the Browns are clearly searching for their next franchise quarterback. The question is, can Shedeur Sanders be that guy?

Shedeur Sanders: Strengths and Weaknesses

Sanders entered the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most polarizing prospects. While his production and pedigree are undeniable, scouts are divided on his NFL potential.

Strengths:

Accuracy: Sanders is known for his exceptional accuracy, consistently placing the ball where his receivers can make plays. In 2024, he finished with the third-highest accuracy rate in the FBS.
Composure Under Pressure: Despite facing constant pressure at Colorado, Sanders avoids turnovers and makes smart decisions. His ability to stay calm in the pocket is a valuable asset.
Football IQ: Sanders possesses a high football IQ, quickly processing information and making reads. He effectively dissects defenses when given time.
Touch on Deep Throws: Sanders displays fantastic touch on deep throws, placing the ball perfectly for his receivers.

Weaknesses:

Arm Strength: While accurate, Sanders lacks elite arm strength, particularly on downfield throws. This could limit his ability to make certain throws at the NFL level.
Pocket Presence: Sanders sometimes drifts in the pocket and plays light on his feet, leading to unnecessary sacks. Improving his pocket awareness is crucial for his success.
Athleticism: Sanders is not a dynamic athlete, limiting his ability to create plays with his legs.
“Superman Complex”: Some scouts believe Sanders holds onto the ball too long, trying to make big plays instead of taking what the defense gives him.

Can Sanders Overcome the Odds?

Despite the concerns, Sanders possesses the tools to succeed in the NFL. His accuracy, composure, and football IQ are traits that can be developed with proper coaching and a supportive system.

Keys to Success for Sanders in Cleveland:

Refine Mechanics: Sanders needs to refine his mechanics under pressure and improve his footwork to maximize his arm strength and accuracy.
Structured Offense: Sanders thrives in a structured offense with limited improvisation. The Browns need to implement a system that caters to his strengths.
Improved Offensive Line: Given his struggles under pressure, Sanders needs a reliable offensive line to provide him with time to make reads and deliver accurate passes.
Patience: Sanders is a project quarterback who needs time to develop. The Browns must be patient and allow him to learn and grow without throwing him into the fire too soon.

The Browns’ 2025 Season: A Make-or-Break Year?

The Browns’ 2025 season is pivotal for the franchise. With Deshaun Watson’s future uncertain and a host of new quarterbacks on the roster, the team needs to find a long-term solution under center.

While Joe Flacco is the favorite to start Week 1, the Browns must eventually turn to their younger quarterbacks to determine their potential. Dillon Gabriel will get the start in their second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He’ll have to bring his A-game to make up the ground he lost against Shedeur Sanders, after the latter completed 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers in the Browns’ first exhibition, with Gabriel and Pickett sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Shedeur Sanders has the potential to be the Browns’ franchise quarterback, but he needs time, coaching, and a supportive environment to develop. Whether he can find success in Cleveland remains to be seen, but the Browns’ quarterback carousel may finally have a chance to slow down with Sanders in the mix.