The Browns say that owner Jimmy Haslam doesn't have a say in personnel decisions.
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio doesn't believe it, with him citing Shedeur Sanders' draft pick as the latest example.
"From the drafting of Johnny Manziel to the stubborn refusal to bench Deshaun Watson, there's plenty of reason to believe that those who receive paychecks from Haslam are saying what they have to say (and doing what they have to do) to ensure that they'll continue to receive those paychecks," Florio writes.
It's certainly fair analysis.
It applies in the Sanders situation given Cleveland had already taken QB Dillon Gabriel two rounds before taking Sanders.
"Haslam will have an opinion on who should be the Week 1 starter," Florio writes. "If it's close, his opinion will carry tremendous weight. If he wants Shedeur, he'll likely get Shedeur. Making him the starter will validate the organization's decision to prioritize analytics over all other factors in adding to the roster a rookie who will complicate the broader dynamics of the establishment of a 53-man football team for 2025."
MORE: Shedeur Sanders acting 'non-traditionally' played a role in draft slide
Cleveland has Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett in addition to the rookies Sanders and Gabriel.
"It's possible that the Browns will start the season with one of the veterans, riding it out until the time comes to give the team a boost," Florio writes. "Much of that will depend on the schedule, to be released in 11 days. If they get some winnable games early, they might build momentum. If they face a September-October juggernaut, the wheels could fly off quickly."
Sanders will still need to show well in training camp and the preseason.
But if he does, Florio suggests, the starting job will be as good as his.
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