Shedeur Sanders vs Dillon Gabriel, the growing battle within the Cleveland Browns for a backup role

AFC North - English Cleveland Browns - English Dillon Gabriel - English Joe Flacco - English Kenny Pickett - English Kevin Stefanski - English NFL - English NFL Preseason - English Rodrigo Oscós - Raíz Shedeur Sanders - English Sports

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The major buzz surrounding the Cleveland Browns this preseason is not focused on how far the team can go in 2025 with veteran Joe Flacco as the starting quarterback. Instead, the real storyline emerging out of Cleveland centers on the fierce competition between two young quarterbacks-Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, each fighting for a spot on the final roster.

It is worth recalling that in his debut appearance, Gabriel stirred controversy when he remarked that there were “entertainers” and “competitors” on the roster. Many interpreted that as a thinly veiled jab at Sanders, a player known for embracing the spotlight and thriving under media attention.

From that point on, tensions between the two quarterbacks appeared to escalate. Both are vying for a place on the team as the season opener looms just two weeks away.

Following the game against the Los Angeles Rams, during the flight home, Sanders addressed the comments, saying:

I mean I feel like you’re trying to start something… I don’t know, and that’s not on me… That’s not going to change my life in any way.

A rivalry fueled by resentment

Sanders built a lucrative profile under the NIL system during his college days at Colorado, further bolstered by the presence of his father, Hall of Famer and NFL legend Deion Sanders. That visibility and support may have generated envy within the locker room, particularly from Gabriel, who is competing with Sanders for the role of third quarterback on the Browns’ depth chart.

Gabriel, the former Oregon quarterback, failed to impress in his preseason debut against the Chargers, a shaky performance that intensified debate over whether he merits a spot on the roster.

Sanders, by contrast, nearly delivered a flawless performance in his first outing. After shaking off early nerves, he looked confident and displayed his strongest skill set, signaling he has the tools to grow into a legitimate NFL prospect.

Quarterback controversies are not new in football, though they usually revolve around a starting role. The Sanders-Gabriel rivalry is unique, as both players are battling for a backup position rather than the spotlight of QB1. Historic clashes such as Joe Montana vs. Steve Young in San Francisco or Brett Favre vs. Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay involved established stars and future icons. This Browns storyline is instead defined by two hopefuls striving for a foothold.

Quarterback chaos in Cleveland

The old saying goes: if you have two quarterbacks, you really have none. Cleveland’s situation is even more complex, as it currently juggle four viable options. Factoring in the underwhelming tenure of Deshaun Watson, the number rises to five.

The battle began with Flacco and Kenny Pickett. However, Pickett’s hamstring injury sidelined him, leaving Gabriel and Sanders -both drafted rookies- fighting for position behind Flacco.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s decisions have only deepened the sense of confusion. While the Browns boast a defense strong enough to keep them competitive, success ultimately depends on balance, and the offense remains unsettled.

In just two weeks, the league will begin to see whether Cleveland made the right calls or whether, even before kickoff, the team had already thrown its season away.

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