Shedeur Sanders entered Cleveland Browns training camp with championship dreams and starting quarterback aspirations. But one NFL insider believes those hopes might be heading for a reality check.
According to Cleveland Plain Dealer veteran beat writer Mary Kay Cabot, Sanders’ path to the starting lineup faces major obstacles that could derail his quest before it truly begins.
The harsh truth about NFL quarterback competitions is simple: Teams move slowly to award starting jobs unless a player was selected in the first round. With financial incentives tied to high draft picks, franchises will push those players into action before they’re ready.
Meanwhile, mid-round selections like Sanders get the freedom to develop without the pressure of immediate expectations.
Why Does Mary Kay Cabot Think Shedeur Sanders’ Starting Dreams Are Over?
Early in the summer, social media buzzed with excitement as Sanders threw passes in practice. Clips of the rookie from Colorado generated support from fans and media members who had previously struggled to find positive words about his game.
However, the reality of a four-quarterback competition has set in. In this crowded field, the goal remains separation: The ability to perform well enough to stand head and shoulders above the competition. While Sanders’ supporters held high hopes, he hasn’t distinguished himself from the pack so far.
Cabot discussed the quarterback battle on 92.3 The Fan’s (Cleveland) “Baskin and Phelps” radio show, offering insight that should concern Sanders’ supporters.
“I do think that as the preseason goes along, it will become evident. I think those guys are probably neck and neck.”
@MaryKayCabot on @CLETalkingHeads on the #Browns QB battle entering training camp
Listen: https://t.co/kbaI2P0o07 pic.twitter.com/PRT9RDtwBZ
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) July 8, 2025
Cabot explained her perspective on the competition. “I think that if Joe Flacco is the starting quarterback this year, it probably just means that in Week One, he is the most ready to go out and win a football game for the Cleveland Browns,” Cabot said.
“From a readiness standpoint, perhaps he’s the one that would have the best handle on the scheme and the best chemistry with his wide receivers.”
More telling was Cabot’s assessment of the actual competition. She believes the position battle will come down to Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Under those circumstances, where does that leave Sanders? According to Cabot, probably fighting for a roster spot alongside Dillon Gabriel.
What Are Sanders’ Chances of Making the Browns Roster?
This doesn’t mean Sanders couldn’t secure a place on the depth chart. However, if the quarterback race heading into camp comes down to two other players, then the chances remain high that the third quarterback spot becomes his ceiling.
Adding to Sanders’ challenges, he didn’t help his cause before camp with a speeding ticket. This incident highlighted potential decision-making issues that could raise red flags with the Browns’ coaching staff. Handing the keys to the offense to a rookie who has already shown questionable judgment off the field creates additional concerns.
Despite these obstacles, Sanders can still rebound from both the ticket and his position at the bottom of the roster battle. Solid play, keeping his head down, and focusing on the work ahead represent his best path forward. He possesses the talent to make the roster, particularly his arm strength and accuracy.
At the same time, Sanders must view training camp as his best opportunity to secure a spot on the team rather than ending up on the practice squad or being released entirely. The real work begins now, and his NFL future depends on how he responds to these early challenges.
