Browns Double Down on Quarterback, Snag Shedeur Sanders in Draft Surprise
The Cleveland Browns, already raising eyebrows with their selection of Dillon Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, sent shockwaves through the league by adding another quarterback to their roster: Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted prospect from the University of Colorado. Browns General Manager Andrew Berry orchestrated a strategic trade-up to secure Sanders with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round, a move that underscores the team’s commitment to addressing their quarterback uncertainty amid Deshaun Watson’s prolonged absence.
According to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, Berry’s pursuit of Sanders was far from passive. The Browns’ chief decision-maker reportedly began exploring trade possibilities late in the fourth round, aggressively seeking a path to acquire the Colorado signal-caller. Ultimately, Berry’s persistence paid off, as Cleveland successfully navigated the draft board to land Sanders early in the fifth round.
The motivation behind the Browns’ aggressive pursuit of Sanders stemmed from his perceived value at that stage of the draft. Oyefusi’s sources within the Browns organization revealed that many teams had assigned Sanders a Day 2 grade, suggesting that his talent warranted a selection significantly higher than where he was ultimately chosen. The unexpected slide into Day 3 of the draft caught the Browns’ attention, presenting an opportunity they couldn’t resist.
"He simply became too good a value on which to pass," Oyefusi reported. One Browns source expressed surprise that Sanders remained available so late in the draft, further emphasizing the perceived discrepancy between his talent and his draft position.
Berry himself acknowledged that drafting two quarterbacks wasn’t the initial plan heading into the weekend. However, he emphasized the team’s commitment to selecting the best available player, regardless of position. The unexpected availability of Sanders in the fifth round aligned perfectly with this philosophy.
"We felt like it wasn’t necessarily the plan going into the weekend to select two quarterbacks," Berry told reporters in a post-draft news conference. "But as we talk about, we do believe in best player available, we do believe in positional value, and we didn’t necessarily expect him to be available in the fifth round. We love adding competition to every position room and adding him to compete with the guys that are already in there. We felt like that was the appropriate thing to do."
The addition of Sanders and Gabriel injects a significant dose of competition into the Browns’ quarterback room, a development that is particularly crucial given the uncertain status of Deshaun Watson. Watson, who was acquired amidst considerable controversy and a hefty contract, is expected to miss a substantial portion, if not all, of the 2025 season after suffering two Achilles tears in rapid succession.
Watson’s injury woes have cast a long shadow over the Browns’ quarterback situation. The team’s investment in him was enormous, and his extended absence leaves a gaping hole at the most critical position on the field. The arrival of Sanders and Gabriel provides the Browns with much-needed depth and potential solutions as they navigate this challenging situation.
In addition to the two rookies, the Browns’ quarterback room also includes veteran Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, acquired via trade this offseason. Flacco, a Super Bowl MVP, provided a spark for the Browns last season when he was signed mid-season due to injuries to Watson and other quarterbacks on the roster. Pickett, on the other hand, represents a younger option with untapped potential.
The ensuing quarterback competition promises to be fierce, with each player vying for the opportunity to lead the Browns’ offense. Sanders, with his pedigree and Day 2 draft grade, will undoubtedly enter the competition with high expectations. Gabriel, despite being selected earlier in the draft, will need to prove himself against a more highly regarded prospect. Flacco’s experience and proven track record could make him a viable option, while Pickett will be looking to revitalize his career in a new environment.
The Browns’ decision to invest in two quarterbacks in the 2025 draft reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly prioritizing depth and competition at the position. The physical toll of the game, coupled with the importance of having a reliable backup, has made it essential for teams to have multiple capable quarterbacks on their roster.
Moreover, the Browns’ aggressive pursuit of Sanders suggests that they may view him as a potential long-term solution at the position. While Watson’s contract and talent make him the presumed starter when healthy, his injury history and off-field issues have raised concerns about his long-term availability. Sanders, with his potential and upside, could emerge as a viable successor should Watson’s struggles continue.
The Browns’ quarterback situation remains a work in progress, but the addition of Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel has injected a renewed sense of optimism and competition into the team. The upcoming season will be a crucial test for these young quarterbacks as they compete for the opportunity to lead the Browns out of the shadows of Watson’s absence and towards a brighter future. Whether Sanders can live up to the hype and become the Browns’ franchise quarterback remains to be seen, but his arrival has undoubtedly added a new layer of intrigue to the team’s quarterback saga. The Browns, it seems, are betting on competition and potential to solve their most pressing problem.
