Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has expressed his astonishment at being Joe Flacco’s teammate, prompting NFL host Kay Adams to delve into their dynamic.
After a surprising fall to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite initial first-round predictions, Sanders inked his rookie contract valued at $4.6 million. This summer, he’ll be vying for a spot on the 53-man roster alongside fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, and he’s already suffered a setback in Cleveland.
Joining a packed quarterback lineup that includes Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Deshaun Watson, Sanders is acclimating to the Browns’ environment but remains starstruck by daily interactions with Flacco.
During a conversation with Adams, when asked about what sets him apart in the quarterback room, Sanders chose to honor his peers instead. “I’d say we’re all different characters, it’s funny going in there and seeing Joe every day,” Sanders remarked.
“It’s funny seeing him because everyone is like, ‘Wow, I’m with Joe Flacco right now.’ Like we’re on the same team! So that’s cool. And then, of course, with Kenny, the experience he has, being in the league for these years, it’s cool. Just seeing the process of it.
“And Deshaun, of course, he’s active in there. He’s in all the meetings so it’s cool talking to him.”
Adams expressed his curiosity about Sanders’ admiration for Flacco, prompting further details. “It’s just so funny that we’re on the same team,” Sanders stated.
Adams probed Sanders and Flacco’s interactions beyond football, including any advice that might have been shared. Sanders remained discreet yet couldn’t suppress a broad grin.
“Of course, everybody is cool in the room,” Sanders mentioned. “You know, outside the room everybody tries to pin us against each other, but inside the room, we know.”
Sanders’ journey has been challenging since his standout senior season at Colorado, with his slide in the draft stirring up conversation. Nonetheless, Sanders remains optimistic and stands before an essential summer as he aims to secure his place on the team.
Flacco is presently penciled in as the starting quarterback for Week 1 following his one-year, $4.25 million contract, with Pickett likely taking the second spot. In the wake of Watson’s injury sidelining him indefinitely, Sanders finds himself vying for the QB3 position, or maybe even challenging Pickett.
Despite the intense competition, Sanders disclosed that both he and Gabriel are gleaning wisdom from each other during training camp. “Everything’s been cool,” Sanders commented to SportsCasting.com. “He’s a cool person.
“I like how he handles situations, especially just the negative media that’s coming his way. I’m just happy he’s positive, he’s able to handle everything. We’re truly cool.”
As Sanders gears up for a promising NFL career amidst high expectations, he remains unfazed by detractors, focusing instead on his own potential. “My job here isn’t to prove people wrong, I’m proving myself right,” he confidently stated during rookie minicamp.
“I fully believe it. What those people say, that’s just their opinions. I don’t truly care. They don’t really live in my mental space about that type of stuff. It really doesn’t do anything for me.”
