Browns connecting the dots during off-season practice

There is no doubt that the Shedeur slide was one of the most controversial and widely discussed topics out of the 2025 NFL Draft. Our attention turns now to his journey with the Cleveland Browns and an emerging friendship between the rookie and veteran QB, Joe Flacco.

Speculation continues around who the Browns will name as their starting QB. Options include talent such as veterans Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Deshaun Watson alongside newly signed rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. With head coach, Kevin Stefanski claiming he’s “not there yet” on that pressing choice of quarterback.

But the real QB story emerging from Organized Team Activities (OTAs) is the relationship between Flacco and Sanders.

The respect Sanders has for Flacco is clear. Sanders has discussed the conversations between the two and says he has previously asked Flacco to “let me know what you think, like what I need to do”. The rookie bows to Flacco’s years of experience at the helm of a team and leans into his advice stating “he’s (Flacco) seen it, he’s played it, he’s a pro”.

This relationship, however, is not purely professional – a fun friendship between the two has developed and is a contagious feeling amongst the team. Stefanski has compared the fun in the QB room to his time coaching Brett Favre with Tavaris Jackson. He has emphasized that he has been “very fortunate to be in great rooms with professionals” but that it is important to “try to have fun” at the same time as working hard.

When asked about his time in training this Spring, Flacco states that he “had a smile on my face a good portion of the time” and whilst he refuses to embarrass himself by attempting the dances Sanders is introducing, he is having fun.

Additionally, Sanders has a clear goal to bring that fun and to build those inter-generational relationships calling Joe “the old guy in the room” but also supporting what Flacco has said “I joke with Joe (Flacco) all the time, everyday”.

With big decisions inevitably pending over who will lead the Browns next season, this offseason brings a new and refreshing conversation around the locker room.