Shedeur Sanders is starting his comeback story very much like Sylvester Stallone’s John J. Rambo. Rambo. He’s taking a leaf out of his mentor Tom Brady’s book and making his presence felt in the Browns locker room. He’s got his cleats and jerseys. Add to that a Browns notebook and an unshakable spirit. Just like that, as the man himself put it, “I got everything I need to be successful.” And it’s not just a statement; he’s backing it up with action. He’s throwing clean passes, he’s connecting with the team, and he’s even getting shoutouts from veterans all across the sports universe. But all of this might become a sore spot for Dillon Gabriel, especially given that he was chosen long before Shedeur’s name was linked with the Browns.

Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders enter the Browns QB room behind Deshaun Watson, Kenny Pickett, and Joe Flacco. They have the opportunity to learn from these greats as they carve out their own identities on the team. Shedeur has left behind all the hate and criticism. Tom Brady even gave a message to Shedeur: “Use it as motivation. You’re going to get your chances. Go take advantage of it.” And that’s exactly what he’s doing. And his teammates are feeling it too. But have the players already chosen their future leader?

As per a post by insider Dov Kleiman, that certainly seems to be the case. Dov Keliman shared a clip on X featuring the rookies of the Browns team along with their two QBs, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. In the clip, the rookies are all posing for a picture. Striking the pose, two rookie RBs put their wrist up in the signature Sanders style as they smiled widely at him. And Dillon is left in one corner, looking at them, smiling. Dov Kleiman wrote, “Awkward: Both Browns’ rookie RBs did the Shedeur Sanders celebration putting their wrist up for the picture right next to Dillon Gabriel…😬” Well, things are certainly awkward for the former Oregon QB. Especially if that QB boasts a six-year college career of a jaw-dropping 18,722 passing yards with 155 TDs. And that’s not even counting his rushes. 

A third-rounder (Gabriel) being outshone by a fifth-rounder (Shedeur) wouldn’t feel okay to anyone. But here’s the thing. Shedeur is already a brand by himself. And he has the numbers, too. While Dillon’s record comes with a 6-year career, Shedeur’s 4 years at Jackson State and Colorado have their merits, too. Shedeur Sanders amassed a total of 14,327 yards with a sweet 134 TDs. And of course, the name Coach Prime also carries its own weight. So what does it mean for the two QBs going forward? Will they be competing for the QB1 spot sometime soon, or is this lopsided battle already decided?

Shedeur Sanders vs. Dillon Gabriel – the race for QB1

Insiders like Dov Kleiman have been praising Shedeur Sanders’ efforts in the Browns’ rookie minicamp. Kleiman recently wrote, “Shedeur Sanders was one of the LAST players to leave the Browns’ rookie minicamp today. Shedeur is always willing to put in extra hours. This speaks volumes about his character. A mindset that can’t be taught.” Shedeur’s mentality and drive are clearly shining. And his teammates are seeing it too, as they give him their wrist-ups of approval. But while the Browns’ rookies seem to have chosen their leader, there are also people who believe Gabriel is the clear choice.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes that Shedeur Sanders doesn’t need to play at all this season, and that’s a “luxury.” Ian Rapoport even called Shedeur a “lottery ticket” and said, “Dillon Gabriel may end up as the backup anyway. Shedeur Sanders has an unbelievable luxury. – of not having to do anything this rookie year, just fading into the background as much as possible and just learning.” So, the media is clearly divided in their opinions. But there’s a lot of time between now and the new season’s start. We don’t have to decide yet. HC Kevin Stefanski certainly seems to think along those lines.

Kevin Stefanski isn’t biased. He isn’t swayed by Shedeur’s brand name, either. He’s giving both the QBs equal time and opportunity to prove themselves. They both get the same shot, same time, and same attention. Whether they shine or fade away is entirely up to how the QBs perform. So, Shedeur Sanders, or Dillon Gabriel? Who’s your future Browns QB1?