Browns Rookies Sanders, Gabriel Lead QB Battle After OTA Reps

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition is heating up following the 2025 NFL Draft, with rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel both vying for the starting job alongside veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Despite Sanders' impressive college stats and higher NIL earnings, Gabriel's earlier draft selection gives him a more lucrative rookie contract, although both must prove themselves on the field to secure long-term success. Recent OTAs saw Sanders outperforming expectations, throwing three touchdowns on 7-of-9 passing, with Gabriel also performing well, while the veterans lagged in production. However, many analysts, including The Athletic's Zac Jackson, suggest that neither rookie is likely to start in Week 1, as the Browns may opt for the experience of Flacco or Pickett initially. Injuries to key players like DeShaun Watson and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah add further uncertainty to the team's outlook. With no clear long-term franchise quarterback yet, some predict the Browns could select a top QB prospect like Cade Klubnik in the 2026 NFL Draft if neither rookie emerges as the answer this season.