The QB1 discussion in Cleveland simply refuses to die down. While several analysts and experts are busy predicting the starter between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders has been left out of major conversations. Take former NFL QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, for instance. In an appearance on ‘Good Morning Football’, he opined that Flacco would be the main man, considering he has the history there and the experience to sustain. In fact, his journey from the Ravens Super Bowl MVP to becoming the Browns’ beloved veteran is an unexpected one, but what makes it even more intriguing is that he has found joy with the Browns.

“The funny thing about Joe is I think that he’s probably been happier here in Cleveland than he has in most of his other stops and most of his other years in football,” Browns’ beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot stated recently. That’s an interesting observation, considering the veteran spent a decade with the Browns’ division rival but somehow got Cleveland to love him. And so when the starting QB conversations are brought up, you’ll most likely hear his name.

from CBS Sports sat down to discussI’m going to go with the seasoned veteran of Joe FlaccoThe one-time elite Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old Joe Flacco.”

The writing has been on the wall ever since the Browns signed Flacco earlier this offseason. He’s a veteran, a Super Bowl champion, and has the pedigree to perform under pressure. “I’m going to say he has the edge because the tendency for head coaches to normally go to is the guy that you feel the safest with, especially in a year when you feel like you need to kind of get things started on the right track,” Kanell added.

“I know it has been a very interesting offseason for Shedeur Sanders, and as you know, consumed a lot of headlines around the draft, and I think eventually it’s a great opportunity for him, but when it’s all said and done, I do think Joe Flacco will get the nod week one. Now, is he starting week 17? I highly doubt it. But from the stability standpoint, coaches love those who give you the best chance to win. I think that’s Joe Flacco.”

But Mike Renner wasn’t on board with Flacco as the QB1. Don’t expect him to be on board with Shedeur Sanders, either. “I generally agree with the reasoning there, but I just disagree that Joe Flacco at this point in his career is the safe bet. I mean, he threw seven picks in six starts a year ago. He did not look like a starting caliber quarterback anymore. He’s now over 40 years old. I’m going with Dillon Gabriel.

“The guy is experienced, the most experienced quarterback to ever hit the NFL. More starts in college football than anyone in college football history. I do just think his game is ready for the NFL, even if his ceiling may not be that high.” Renner further observed that in Cleveland, you’ve got to give something to the fans to excite them. Joe Flacco, according to him, might not be that person.

Meanwhile, Gabriel has a six-year college football experience, a 46-17 track record, close to 18,500 yards, and 155 TDs. He managed to grab the media’s attention during the Browns’ practice sessions, along with the highest attempts in the OTAs and minicamp, completed 58% of passes (48-for-83), and racked up 8 TDs. Taken all together, Danny Kanell and Mike Renner don’t think that Shedeur will be the starter in week 1. And Shedeur?

The whole sky seems to fall on his Cleveland chapter. The only NFL chapter so far.

Kevin Stefanski to cut Shedeur Sanders?

The Browns were never a quarterback-stable team. Back in the day, they lacked a franchise quarterback. Fast forward to now, and they still lack one, but now they’re struggling to pick one among a crowded QB room. Two veterans and two rookies. The kicker? Trade rumors. Last year, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins on a gigantic $180 million deal ($100 million guaranteed), only to make him the most expensive backup in 2025.

Cousins said the Falcons “misled” him and drafted a rookie QB, Michael Penix Jr. One thing led to another, and now Cousins wants to get out of Atlanta, and the Falcons want to get rid of him. He’s too expensive. And according to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, the Browns might trade for him. The plan is to reunite him with Coach Stefanski and add stability in the quarterback room. But then again, there’s a caveat. Who’s the bait?

Many believe Shedeur Sanders will be out so that a Cousins-Stefanski reunion can happen. NFL Trade Rumors suggest the Browns are considering trading the former Colorado quarterback. The vision seems palpable: he’s just 23, talented, and definitely has value elsewhere. But Shedeur Sanders now faces a tough situation. You’re talented and have a Prime Time surname, sure. But as things are unfolding, neither of them guarantees employment.