Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has made it abundantly clear that the decision to select quarterback Shedeur Sanders solely fell on general manager Andrew Berry. Haslam made it clear, even amid persistent speculation about front office involvement across all areas of personnel, including draft class selections.
“That’s Andrew Berry’s call. Andrew made the call to pick Shedeur just like who’s gonna start or what play we’re gonna call is Kevin’s call,” Haslam stated
Haslam made his comments amid a growing scrutiny of the quarterback room with four quarterbacks competing for roster spots.
In a sense, Haslam responded to questions about ownership and influence in draft decisions, as the Browns selected both Sanders and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel with what many viewed as an overaggressive effort to restock their depth chart following some disappointing seasons.
#Browns Jimmy Haslam stresses that Shedeur Sanders was Andrew Berry’s pick, not his. pic.twitter.com/sD3yQYwSq8
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) July 29, 2025
“We had a conversation early that morning and then we had a conversation later that day. I think we had the right people involved in the conversation at the end of the day,” Haslam explained.
Sanders is now in a competition with veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Gabriel. Early reports from training camp noted Sanders’ struggles to make any impact, indicating he was sometimes throwing to equipment staff instead of receivers during practices. But, as the reports indicate, things are progressing for the rookie, which is evident by Sanders completing nine consecutive passes for two touchdowns. This is a good training camp and he was probably drafted for this potential, which played a role in Berry’s decision-making.
Andrew Berry’s quarterback picks spark intense competition at Browns camp
Berry’s approach to the quarterback situation reflects that the general manager is open to keeping four quarterbacks as long as it makes sense and they have the talent to do that. Gabriel, the other rookie quarterback, has also had a good camp. After Pickett suffered a hamstring injury, Gabriel has started to get some more reps and has practice time as the second team quarterback at times.
The competition between the two rookies was noted throughout camp. Gabriel spoke positively about his relationship with Sanders, emphasizing how both of their daily competitions make them better.
Gabriel’s numbers have been decent, completing eight of twelve attempts in the same practice where Sanders was perfect. Both rookies remain long shots to win playing time, but their development will be a huge part of the Browns’ future plans.
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