Shedeur Sanders is feeling the energy in the Cleveland Browns and loving every bit of his fresh start. “I got everything I need to be successful,” he said, beaming as he checked out his new locker and the Browns’ gear. Rocking his No. 12 jersey for year one in the league, he looked locked in. But the twist might come soon.

We already know that Cleveland stirred the pot by grabbing Dillon Gabriel two rounds earlier in the third. That move surprised people, especially since many expected Shedeur Sanders as a first-rounder. His slide to the fifth raised more than a few eyebrows. Now, with both the quarterbacks in the mix, the competition’s about to get real. And let’s not sugarcoat it, this could be one of the most talked-about battles of the preseason. But guess what? The Browns are cooking something, and a big decision might be coming sooner than we think.

Former quarterback Matt Hasselbeck joined The Herd with Colin Cowherd to react to Sanders and the Browns’ rookie minicamp. During the Monday episode, the host brought up the rare quarterback battles of the rookies brewing in the NFL. Like the one in Cleveland, saying it’s not something you see often. It’s more of a college thing.

However, Hasselbeck jumped in, keeping it real. He said, “Every situation’s a little bit different, and I always viewed it as if it was an open competition.” But the problem is, the ex-NFLer thinks that it’s quite possible that Sanders won’t be getting his snaps firsthand.

He explained his point further by recalling his own time in the league. The former QB said, “I mean, going back to that rookie year, I remember Mike Homegrren saying to our team, the Green Bay Packers, he said, ‘Listen, I don’t care how much you make, where you were drafted, the best players are going to play.'” Then he said, “Now, granted, I expect Reggie White to be our starting defensive end. I expect Brett Favre to be our starting quarterback, but the best players will play.” I think the great organizations have the confidence to do that.” Besides this, Hasselbeck also pointed out to the Seahawks, too, when Pete Carroll had the guts to start rookie Russell Wilson despite paying big bucks to other QBs. That’s rare. Normally, reps go to the guy’s teams that are financially invested in.

Perhaps that perspective could be true. I mean, that might be the reason why the Browns gave Dillon Gabriel the first reps before Shedeur Sanders. As per Cowherd’s guest, “The reps are usually divvied up how they expect it to go, how they want it to go, where their money is invested. And so, for a late round pick (like Sanders), it’s tough. Like, if I’m being honest, there are going to be rare occasions – are you even getting snaps with the first-string center? Like, not in a live situation. And so there’s going to be all these things. You basically have to make the most of every single opportunity.” That’s correct.

But Hasselbeck also highlighted that if the Browns are serious, they’ll define exactly what Shedeur Sanders is competing for, internally, even if the public doesn’t know. So, obviously, honest, direct conversations matter. That clarity behind closed doors could shape how this whole battle plays out. Until then, the young Colorado QB is happy to be at the new place, as he posted a sweet message after his rookie minicamp.

Shedeur Sanders has already started loving his teammates!

Shedeur Sanders finally hit the NFL field over the weekend, and man, it was a moment. Just weeks after that surprising slide to the fifth round, he showed up to the Browns’ rookie minicamp with something to prove. Although he split reps with Dillon Gabriel, his intense concentration was obvious. Sanders found his rhythm, hit touchdowns, and started connecting with his new receivers. Perhaps that’s the reason why he took to his official X account to share his feelings after the camp.

He said, “Thankful for every player a part of our Rookie minicamp. Great relationships were made during our time together.” Saying this, the QB even shared a picture of his team posing on the field at the camp. But he wasn’t the only one who was happy to be at the new place.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski also liked what he saw, calling both QBs super coachable. But now the real test begins. The vets are back, and it’s officially go-time. Shedeur Sanders is stepping into a crowded QB room with Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. So, as Matt Hasselbeck pointed out, all he needs to do is just try to prove himself fit for the starter role.