Former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has cast doubt on Shedeur Sanders’ chances of becoming the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback, suggesting the competition is likely between Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. On a recent episode of “Nightcap,” Houshmandzadeh, who previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals, shared insights about the Browns’ quarterback situation as training camp approaches. He revealed that he was told by someone within the Browns organization that the race is essentially between Pickett and Gabriel rather than Sanders. This revelation has sparked discussions about the actual depth and competitiveness of the Browns’ quarterback group.
Houshmandzadeh also raised questions about the validity of Sanders’ impressive passing statistics, noting that they may have been compiled against lower-tier players rather than the team’s top competition. This has led to skepticism about whether the numbers truly reflect his readiness for the starting role. The Browns have selected both Sanders and Gabriel in the draft, adding them to a roster that already includes Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. This creates a competitive situation where the team’s future at quarterback is uncertain. While Flacco had success with the Browns in the past, there are growing calls for a change, as a long-term solution may not be found with his experience alone.
Pickett, who was relegated to a backup role last season with the Philadelphia Eagles after starting some games for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is seen as a potential contender due to his prior experience. Gabriel, a standout quarterback for the Oregon Ducks, is also a strong candidate with a solid college background. However, the Browns’ decision to draft Sanders, who has faced legal issues since arriving in Cleveland, adds another layer of uncertainty to the quarterback competition. As the Browns prepare for their upcoming season against the Cincinnati Bengals, the outcome of this race will be crucial for the team’s success.