It was supposed to be a rookie minicamp, a chance for Cleveland’s young players to show what they’re made of. However, instead of focused training sessions and rookie optimism, the headlines surrounding Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are more reminiscent of a soap opera than a football camp. The quarterback competition in Cleveland, while always bound to draw attention, has erupted into media drama, drawing the kind of public spectacle that will make even the most veteran coach uncomfortable.
The friction between Sanders and Gabriel was set off by a seemingly innocent social media post from Sanders. On May 12, he shared an image from the rookie minicamp, with a caption that read, “Thankful for every player apart of our Rookie minicamp. Great relationships were made during our time together. ” On the surface, it appeared wholesome, even somewhat reflective. But the keen-eyed observers on X quickly spotted something missing: Gabriel. The rookie quarterback, who has as much at stake as Sanders, was notably absent from the photo—a detail that did not go unnoticed.
Thankful for every player apart of our Rookie minicamp. Great relationships was made during our time together. pic.twitter.com/sMmx46P5yl
— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) May 12, 2025
A closer look, however, paints a different picture. Reports quickly surfaced explaining that Gabriel’s absence from the shot wasn’t a snub. Gabriel had simply been caught up in another team activity during the photo session. Thus, it could have easily been a scheduling conflict, not an intentional omission. Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski, even spoke about the rookies, emphasizing the importance of fostering a “healthy quarterback room” during minicamp. “We’re doing everything in our power to develop these young men, but it’s a process and it takes time,” Stefanski said. “I like the attitude of these rookies where they understand there’s work to be put in, but they’re taking the coaching, which I appreciate.”
But the context is more complicated than just a missed photo opportunity. The Browns drafted Gabriel in the third round, which was an unexpected move for many. The 5’11” quarterback has experience at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, and his strong traits include accuracy and poise. Yet, just two rounds later, Cleveland selected Shedeur, a move that surprised many. General Manager Andrew Berry justified the pick by calling Sanders a “value pick,” adding that they saw potential for Sanders to “outproduce his draft slot.” But given Sanders’ fall to the fifth round, the selection was also a sign of uncertainty.
Yet somehow, that wasn’t enough for Kevin Stefanski. Two rounds later, the Browns still picked Shedeur Sanders. GM Andrew Berry explained it as a value pick: “[Sanders is] a guy that we think can outproduce his draft slot,” he said. But that decision may have come with a price. Sanders’ late fifth-round selection didn’t exactly scream franchise guy. If anything, it hinted at doubt. Ever since his viral watch flex, teams have treated him like a branding risk. And now, it looks like Cleveland’s worst fear is playing out: a divided locker room.
Now, the fallout is visible. Two rookie QBs. One locker room. Fans are wondering who would emerge victorious and become a franchise favourite.
Is the whole competition just in the eyes of social media?
Since the Browns drafted Shedeur, he’s been a constant presence in the headlines. But while much attention has been paid to Sanders, Gabriel is staying focused on making the most of the opportunity to compete alongside the fellow rookies.
“I really like it,” Gabriel said ahead of the Browns’ second rookie minicamp session. “It’s great because of who he is. Both of us have something to learn from each other, but it’s not just about us two in the room. Right now, it is, but soon we’ll have experienced guys like Kenny [Pickett], Joe [Flacco], and Deshaun [Watson]—players who’ve been around and can teach us both.”
At rookie minicamp, Sanders and Gabriel took turns in the practice reps, with Gabriel getting the first few snaps. However, coach Kevin Stefanski downplayed the order in which the two took turns, calling the session a learning experience for both rookies and stressing that the quarterback competition over the next several months would be a comprehensive evaluation process.
Both Sanders and Gabriel are making the transition from college to the NFL after impressive careers. Sanders, who spent four years at Jackson State and then transferred to Colorado with his father, Deion, has plenty of collegiate experience. Gabriel, with six years under his belt, has played at Oregon, Oklahoma, and UCF, where he started 63 games.
Despite a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland, Gabriel is approaching every practice with a mindset as though he’s the starter.
“I only know one way to prepare,” he said. “I have a lot of experience, and I’m using that to my advantage. I approach every practice like I’m going to take that next rep and make it count.”
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