The Cleveland Browns’ offseason has been anything but predictable, with the biggest question mark still hanging over who will be starting at quarterback when they face the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7. Head coach Kevin Stefanski remains tight-lipped, saying he won’t name a starter until after the preseason wraps up in late July or August. Four quarterbacks are in the mix—veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. All four had their moments during mandatory minicamp, though none were flawless. If there’s a frontrunner, it might be Pickett. He brings youth, starting experience from his time in Pittsburgh, and even a Super Bowl appearance with the Eagles. Still, the competition remains wide open.
Myles Garrett Endorses Sanders During Minicamp
Star defensive end Myles Garrett made headlines recently when he praised Shedeur Sanders while attending a Texas Rangers game. Asked about the rookie quarterback, Garrett told reporter Abby Jones, “He’s come into OTAs and minicamp with the right mindset. He works hard, stays focused, and always brings positive energy. That’s the kind of teammate you want.” Like many, Garrett was surprised to see Sanders fall to the fifth round in the draft, given the pre-draft buzz suggesting he could go in the top 10.
Garrett sees that slide as a blessing in disguise—less pressure for Sanders to start immediately and extra motivation to prove himself. He’s already become one of the Browns’ most talked-about players this offseason, even stealing the spotlight from stars like Patrick Mahomes. Garrett, who just signed a major contract extension after previously requesting a trade, knows a strong quarterback is essential if Cleveland is going to make a serious Super Bowl push.
The Browns’ history at quarterback has been a revolving door—40 different starters since 1999, the most in the league. Last season alone, they used four, and none of them, including Deshaun Watson, are returning. Whoever wins the job this year faces a brutal opening stretch against the Bengals, Ravens, Packers, and Lions—all playoff-caliber teams. Stefanski won’t hesitate to make a change if the starter falters early.
In that context, Sanders’ steady optimism could be exactly what the team needs. Garrett, entering his ninth season and averaging nearly 15 sacks per year, isn’t known for empty praise—his support carries weight. With so much uncertainty at the position and a fanbase desperate for consistency, Sanders has a real chance to rise above expectations. If he continues to earn respect in the locker room, the starting job could be his sooner than anyone thought.
Leave a Reply