Keyshawn Johnson gives "confident" verdict on Shedeur Sanders starting timeline for Browns amidst tough QB battle 

Shedeur Sanders has been linked with the QB1 role for the Cleveland Browns next season despite strong competition from Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. While some doubts whether Sanders will get the starting QB position next season, analyst Keyshawn Johnson is "confident" that the former Colorado star will lead Cleveland's offense in his rookie year.

On Friday's episode of Fox Sports' "Speak," Johnson gave his verdict on when he feels Sanders will start for the Browns.

“You know the crazy thing is, I am confident it's going to be Shedeur," Johnson said (Timestamp: 8:45). "I don't know when. I don't know if it's the start of the season or three, four, five games into the season, but before they get to the midseason mark, he's going to be the starting quarterback and taking the reps.”

The Browns selected Sanders with the 144th pick in this year's NFL draft. He was the second QB that the team drafted after Gabriel, who was taken with the No. 94 pick.

Sanders started his collegiate journey at Jackson State in 2021, where he played for two seasons. In 2023, Sanders transferred to Colorado, where he spent two seasons with the Buffs.

In his final year at CU, Sanders won the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award. The QB was coached by his father, Deion Sanders, for all four years of his college career.

How much is Shedeur Sanders' Cleveland Browns rookie contract?

Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders - Source: Imagn

According to The Athletic, Shedeur Sanders signed a four-year, $4.6 million contract with the Browns. He will earn a $447,380 signing bonus.

Although Sanders has been offered a lucrative rookie contract, the value of his deal is less than his NIL value in college. As per reports, Sanders made $5.1 million in NIL deals during his four-year college career.

Per reports, Sanders impressed many during Cleveland's rookie minicamp. However, it remains to be seen whether the rookie can continue to improve in the offseason.