“I think the big thing for me is putting our guys into position where we can evaluate them,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters as training camp opened—and no quote better captures the pressure cooker forming in Berea. Four quarterbacks. One job. And while the world keeps its eyes on Joe Flacco’s experience or Kenny Pickett’s quiet rise, it’s the rookies—Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders—who walk the thinnest line.

The Browns didn’t just build a QB battle this offseason—they built a gauntlet. Flacco was signed for stability. Pickett was traded for upside. Then Cleveland doubled down, drafting both Gabriel and Sanders in 2025, signaling that change wasn’t coming. It had already arrived. And now, as the camp drills begin to carve separation, Sanders’ dream of grabbing the QB1 torch might already be slipping.

After finishing dead last in scoring and limping to a 3-14 record, the Browns aren’t just reshuffling—they’re actively searching for anyone who can inject life into a stale offense. Even head coach Kevin Stefanski is leaving doors open across the roster. As noted in a tweet on X, Stefanski said, “Can’t promise any changes to the rotation going into Monday,” hinting that evaluations are far from over. That extends beyond the QB spot—Cleveland’s wide receiver depth chart is a battleground. Jerry Jeudy stands tall as WR1, but the rest? A free-for-all of unfinished stories. Into that chaos walks Winston Wright.

Undrafted but far from overlooked, Wright brings a track record of reliable hands and explosive movement. Plus, a chip carved out by a draft night snub. Stefanski hasn’t defined Wright’s role yet, but he made one thing clear: every rep counts. “I think for us, the focus, it really has to go on day one of practice. We’re not playing games till September. But what we can do is get ready to play a 17-game plus season,” he said. That urgency sets the tone. Wright’s arrival isn’t just filler—it’s a move meant to shake up a wide receiver room that’s lacked juice behind Jeudy. If he can help take pressure off WR1 and carve out a role in the slot or on special teams, the door’s wide open.

Undrafted camp signings in Cleveland have had mixed results over the years, but the bar isn’t unreachable. Guys like Taylor Gabriel have gone from unknown to impact. Wright’s path could follow that blueprint—if he can produce. Meanwhile, the quarterback battle is still front and center. And for Shedeur Sanders, the climb gets steeper. With Kenny Pickett gaining momentum and Gabriel pushing quietly, the rookie’s spot in the pecking order is shrinking fast.

Kevin Stefanski’s plans leave Shedeur Sanders facing a harsh reality

For Shedeur Sanders, the buzz that once followed his name is fading into a familiar silence. After a spring full of hope and clean throws, it looked like both Sanders and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel would be part of a real quarterback competition. Sanders had the intrigue, the fan support, and the mentorship of Deshaun Watson. But none of that has translated into reps. While veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett stayed firmly in the spotlight, Sanders was left buried—third on the depth chart and fading fast in a city still aching for a franchise QB.

The writing’s been on the wall since Day 1 of training camp. As Daniel Oyefusi reported on X: “Kenny Pickett handled all the first-team offense reps in 11-on-11, followed by Dillon Gabriel with the second team and then Shedeur Sanders with the third team. No 11-on-11 reps for Joe Flacco.” Translation? Stefanski isn’t just leaning into experience—he’s clearly mapping out a pecking order. Pickett’s getting the starter’s leash. Gabriel, drafted higher, is next in line. Even Flacco, despite sitting out reps, looms large. And Sanders? At best, QB3. At worst, QB4. That’s a long fall from draft day momentum.

Still, Stefanski is playing things close. “I have a plan that’s in pencil,” he said, keeping the competition technically alive. “We have to take in information every single day… and adjust from there.” But adjustments don’t mean miracles. With every camp rep that goes elsewhere, Sanders’ path narrows. His placement on the third unit doesn’t mean he’s out—but it does mean he’s almost out of time. The Browns may be preaching evaluation, but the depth chart speaks louder. And unless something flips fast, Sanders could be the odd man out.