The Cleveland Browns quarterback room is the most crowded and most talked-about storylines in the NFL this offseason. But while most eyes are on the competition, it’s a rookie wide receiver who is already reinforcing the favor towards the Browns newest QB.
Wide receiver Kisean Johnson, who led Western Kentucky in receiving last season, has voiced his excitement about playing with former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The fifth-round rookie isn’t just earning respect—he’s earning loyalty.
“I love the Browns,” Johnson said in a recent video. “I get to play with [Shedeur]. That’s a blessing. He’s my QB. That’s a blessing right there.”
It’s a strong endorsement for a first-year quarterback still acclimating to the pro level—and it says a lot about the early chemistry being built between two of the Browns’ most intriguing rookies.
Kisean Johnson went undrafted and has been brought in to compete—and potentially contribute early. He finished the 2024 season with 925 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions, earning Second-Team All-CUSA honors and a spot on the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist.
Before that, he starred at Alabama State, where he was named First-Team All-SWAC and ranked top-25 nationally in receiving yards and touchdowns. Johnson’s blend of route running, physicality, and reliability made him one of the most productive small-school receivers in the country over the last three seasons.
Now, he’s finding his rhythm with a quarterback known for building trust quickly.
That’s where Shedeur Sanders comes in.
Early signs of maturity and leadership from Shedeur
Since arriving in Cleveland, Sanders has taken a measured, work-first approach to rookie minicamp and OTAs. He’s praised head coach Kevin Stefanski for pushing him to be better in all areas, and he’s embraced the challenge of adjusting to life without Coach Prime as his coach.
More importantly, he’s earning the respect of his teammates.
Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco recently told reporters that Shedeur has already lightened the room with his personality, adding, “There’s been at least once in the meeting room he’s made me crack a smile.”
Sanders is navigating a room that includes Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel. It’s a crowded depth chart, but he’s handling it like a professional—showing up early, staying engaged, and stacking good reps.
And players like Johnson are noticing.
Why this connection could matter in 2025
In a competitive wide receiver room, every edge matters. For Johnson, building early rapport with a quarterback—even a rookie—could be the key to separating from the pack.
Shedeur Sanders has always thrived when he has a trusted target. Whether it was with Travis Hunter across the middle, LaJohntay Wester in big moments, or Jimmy Horn Jr. down the sideline, Sanders has shown a consistent ability to elevate the play of his receivers when there’s mutual trust.
If Johnson continues to show consistency in camp, and Shedeur continues to progress, this pairing could become a valuable asset in Cleveland’s offense for 2025.
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