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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Browns roster bubble: Gage Larvadain vs. Kaden Davis
This year's Cleveland Browns squad is beginning to shape up. The receiver room is a critical aspect, despite the notion being tossed around that this year's offense will become more run-heavy, which would mean that the passing attack will take a back the coaching staff has kept six receivers. A quick glance at the roster reveals that four are most likely a lock: Jerry Jeudy, Ced Tillman, Jamari Thrash, and Diontae Johnson. That leaves just two spots up for grabs. Most folks believe that DeAndre Carter will become the fifth receiver, which brings just one open slot. Who gets it? Kisean Johnson signed a huge free-agent deal before training camp. Gage Larvadain has turned heads. Kaden Davis scored two touchdowns in the first preseason game. David Bell remains in play. Cade McDonald has shown flashes. Luke Floriea was considered the frontrunner before getting injured and then released. Chase Cota was also released. Our money is on the competition between Kaden Davis and Gage Larvadain. Comparisons: Davis: 6'-1', 190 pounds Larvadain: 5'-8', 171 pounds Davis: age 26 Larvadain: age 22 Davis: undrafted 2022 Larvadain: undrafted 2025 Davis: 6 professional games played Larvadain: 0 professional games played Davis: 40 time 4.44 Larvadain: 40 time 4.45 Davis: Vertical jump 36.5' Larvadain: Vertical jump 38.5' Davis: College career receiving yards – 959 Larvadain: College career receiving yards – 902 Davis: College career touchdowns – 11 Larvadain: College career touchdowns – 7 Davis: College career punt returns – 4 for minus one yard Larvadain: College career punt returns – 6 for 61 yards, 10.2 average Davis: College kickoff returns – one for 103 yards, one touchdown Larvadain: College kickoff returns – one for 6 yards Davis: Accolades – 2021 MIAA All-Conference Honorable Mention, MIAA Academic Honor Roll, high school 2016 'Track Athlete of the Year,' 2017 Kansas Shrine All-Star Bowl Larvadain: 2021 First Team All-Southland Conference The pro game Davis is the most experienced of the two since he became a professional athlete three years ago, while Larvadain is a rookie. The Denver Broncos signed Davis right after the draft had concluded and made it to the final cutdown, released, then signed to their practice squad, where he remained all season. He then signed with the Michigan Panthers of the USFL and was an instant contributor both on offense and as their primary kick returner. He totaled 416 all-purpose yards in five games. Davis then had short stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, and the Broncos again. In December, Denver waived him, and the Browns picked him up and placed him on their practice squad. He was elevated before the final game against the Baltimore Ravens. He played 11 snaps on special teams and 15 snaps with the offense. He tallied zero targets/receptions, but had three kickoff returns for 107 yards with a 35.7 yards per return average. Both players have been getting praise in practice sessions. In the Browns' first preseason game, Davis tied for the most catches with three, the second most targets (3), and the third most receiving yards (23). What stood out was his two touchdown catches. He also caught every pass thrown his way. Davis was also nailed for a two-yard loss on a jet sweep in the first quarter. In the same contest, Larvadain had three targets, two catches for 23 yards, one touchdown, and an 11.5-yard per-reception average. He also returned two punts for 38 yards. The first TD catch for Davis came early in the second quarter. QB Shedeur Sanders rolled to his left, and as a man was bearing down on him, lofted a nice pass to Davis, who had a step on CB Corey Thornton along the outer edge of the end zone. The second score came on a first-and-10 at Carolina's 13-yard line with just 1:04 to play before the half. Davis left the line on the right side adjacent to WR McDonald. As the play unfolded, McDonald did a center drag, which took the safety with him. Davis then ran up the field and did an inside body fake at the 10-yard line. At the two, he does this double head/shoulder fake as the safety is now out of the middle zone. Sanders then tossed a laser as Davis made his final fake and turned inside to this large hole in the middle of the end zone. Panthers CB Shemar Bartholomew was draped all over Davis, who held onto the ball somehow for the touchdown as he was falling forward. The six points placed Cleveland up 14-7. Larvadain's score came midway into the third quarter to increase the Browns' lead to 21-7. This drive began at Carolina's 43-yard line. After a few good runs by Ahmani Marshall and a nice 12-yard catch by former UFL tight end Sal Cannella, Cleveland was situated with a first down on the Panthers' 12. Three plays later, the Browns had a fourth-and-two at Carolina's four-yard line. Normally, this would result in a field goal attempt to increase the lead by two scores. But Kevin Stefanski decided to go for it. Larvadain began the play in the slot on the leftside, then went in motion to the right. The ball was snapped just as Larvadain approached Sanders, who handed the ball to him, then Sanders continued with a fake handoff to RB Marshall, who drew the linebackers back to the left. Larvadain ran the jet sweep, then turned upfield behind seal blocks by Cannella on the outside and TE Brenden Bates to the inside. Bates' block actually took out two defenders as he shoved one defender into another. Larvadain scored almost effortlessly. What do the Browns have in each player? Both players are competing for the slot position, and to some degree, as a kickoff and punt returner. Larvadain played for South Carolina. Although blessed with great speed, he is also elusive and is considered a playmaker. He is able to track the ball well while in flight and make adjustments. He isn't going to get many yards after the first hit because of his smallish frame. He measured just 5'-8' and weighed in at 170 pounds at his Pro Day. But he is making a strong case to keep him as training camp rolls along. To date, he has impressed the coaches. Zac Jackson of The Athletic noted this recently: 'The camper of the day Saturday was undrafted rookie wide receiver Gage Larvadain, who's made a notable play on most days but made multiple impressive catches Saturday. If Larvadain keeps it up, he'll make the team.' In practice sessions, every quarterback seems to be gravitating towards him as a receiver. This indicates trust and reliability in him being able to complete the passing process. He will contest passes even if he has to make body adjustments. But he has had an issue with consistency in college that may still be lingering. Davis has the experience over Larvadain, obviously, and played his college ball at Northwest Missouri State University. He is also a better special teams player in that he is a reliable tackler with more size as well as a returner. He is another speed guy. He is an excellent route runner and has fewer issues with larger safeties and linebackers, and has shown a willingness to go up against these types of players, including his downfield blocking skills. Great hands with strong play. After Friday night's game against Carolina, Stefanski said this on the media Zoom conference: 'Kaden's been very productive for the football team going back through the spring, very dependable, knows what to do, fast. I think you see his speed show up in practice and game-like settings. So, I was really happy for him to have the success that he did last night.' Davis is pretty consistent with catching the ball and his route running. He seems to practice like he is in game situations. Right now, he is getting very little separation, but his catch radius has been making up for this. In a group that has more questions than answers, both Larvadain and Davis have a legitimate chance to make the 53-man regular-season roster. However, it will most likely become one or the other.
Fox News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Browns, rookie Shedeur Sanders finalize 4-year contract after draft slide
Shedeur Sanders was projected to go as early as No. 2 before his inexplicable draft slide. The Cleveland Browns finally selected Sanders in the fifth round of last month's NFL Draft. On Monday, the Browns said Sanders signed his rookie contract. ESPN reported that Sanders' four-year rookie deal is valued at $4.6 million. The latest NFL collective bargaining agreement introduced fixed rookie pay scales, which effectively eliminates negotiations. Since Sanders was the 144th overall pick, he was slotted to earn $4.6 million on his first contract. The Browns also confirmed Sanders will wear the No. 12 during the 2025 season. Sanders wore No. 2 at Colorado, but Cleveland wide receiver DeAndre Carter had already claimed the No. 2 jersey. There was some speculation Sanders could make an offer to Carter to regain his college football number. But Sanders hinted that his modest signing bonus would prevent him from pursuing his old number. "My signing bonus ain't that high right now," Sanders said. Spotrac estimated that Sanders' signing bonus will clock in at just over $446,000. The total value of Sanders' contract is worth less than his reported name, image, and likeness (NIL) valuation that he amassed during his college football career. Per On3, Sanders had a $6.5 million valuation while he played for Colorado. Reaching an agreement on a multi-year contract could provide Sanders with some security as he competes for a roster spot and as he attempts to work his way up the Browns' depth chart. The 23-year-old is part of a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland that features Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders finished the 2024 season at Colorado with 4,134 passing yards. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Fox News
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Browns' Shedeur Sanders says he won't buy college jersey number from teammate, cites signing bonus woes
Shedeur Sanders walked to the microphone Saturday to speak with reporters at Cleveland Browns rookie minicamp. The incoming Browns quarterback fielded questions about President Donald Trump's decision to speak out during Sanders' NFL Draft slide and competing for the starting job. But the 23-year-old also took a moment to address questions about the jersey number he'll wear during his first season in the NFL. On Tuesday, the Browns released jersey numbers for their rookie class and free agents. The announcement confirmed Sanders would wear No. 12. Wide receiver DeAndre Carter will wear No. 2 for Cleveland. Sanders wore No. 2 at Colorado. There was some speculation Sanders could make an offer to Carter to regain his college football number. "My signing bonus ain't that high right now," Sanders said. Sanders did land several notable name, image and likeness (NIL) deals during his collegiate career. He was projected to go as early as No. 2 overall before his much-discussed NFL Draft slide. The Browns selected the signal-caller in the fifth round. Sheduer finished the 2024 college football season with 4,134 passing yards. He will join a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland that also includes Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett. Gabriel, who the Browns drafted in the third round, took an equal number of snaps as Sanders during a roughly 90-minute practice session at minicamp. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski complimented both rookies. "I think the fun part is we've spent so much predraft time with these players, particularly when we're talking about our quarterbacks with Dillon and Shedeur," he said. "We've spent meeting time with them out of this building. We've taken them through walk-throughs, and then they get to go do it in uniform with the helmets on and just see what they can take from the meeting room to the grass." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Washington Post
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Shedeur Sanders is trying to block out noise and focus on the Browns' playbook
BEREA, Ohio — Trying to get his jersey number back is the least of Shedeur Sanders' worries. With a playbook to learn and trying to prove critics wrong after sliding to the fifth round in the NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback knows he has a long way to go before he even considers making an offer to receiver DeAndre Carter to wear No. 2.
Associated Press
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Shedeur Sanders is trying to block out noise and focus on the Browns' playbook
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Trying to get his jersey number back is the least of Shedeur Sanders' worries. With a playbook to learn and trying to prove critics wrong after sliding to the fifth round in the NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback knows he has a long way to go before he even considers making an offer to receiver DeAndre Carter to wear No. 2. 'I'm not trying to buy anything. My signing bonus ain't that high right now,' Sanders said at the end of his 13-minute availability with the media before Saturday's practice at rookie minicamp. Sanders took No. 12 because he said it was the best number available. It also doesn't hurt that it was the number Tom Brady wore en route to seven Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady said during a podcast appearance earlier this week that he texted Sanders after the draft and told him to use his slide to the 144th overall pick as motivation. Brady was the 199th pick in the 2000 draft. 'There were a lot of fans of me, my craft and my family that was there to support (me). I was just thankful that I have that foundation overall,' Sanders said. While Sanders' fall in the draft could be attributed to some of the comments from his father — Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders — he knows that everything from here on out is up to him. 'I'm taking every snap out there; I'm getting up after these hits. I'm the one throwing touchdowns. I'm the one that got to live it day by day. So all he gave us was the opportunity, and we had to navigate and see what we liked,' Sanders said. 'And especially coming to this building, we have great coaches in the building able to keep me focused, keep me in a straight and narrow line.' When it comes to the negative comments, Sanders did add that he feels most of it comes from older fans instead of those his own age or younger, and that most of it is because of his famous father. 'Ninety-nine percent of hatred is towards pops and then I'm just his son, so it really just comes from that. And I've told him that too,' he said. 'It's the older generation that do it to me rather than the younger people because when I come in person there's no negativity I see. But it's all over online.' Sanders and third-round pick Dillon Gabriel got plenty of snaps over the two days of practices. Besides trying to learn the playbook, there is refining technique and also trying to learn how to take snaps under center regularly. Because the veterans have not had a chance to do any 11-on-11 drills yet during their offseason program, head coach Kevin Stefanski said some of the plays installed for the rookies were to get an on-field look and assess for the first time. Gabriel said he is not trying to get caught up in any distractions, and is welcoming the chance to compete with Sanders through the offseason program and training camp. 'I love it because of who it is. I think just for us both, you can learn from one another,' Gabriel said. 'But also, it's not just us two in the room. At least for right now it is. But going into the year, Kenny (Pickett), Joe (Flacco) and even Deshaun (Watson), just a bunch of guys who played a bunch of ball that we can all learn from one another.' The rookies will join the veterans on Monday but won't take the field for a couple of days as the workload increases. With a four-way competition between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel and Sanders, Stefanski left open the possibility of one or two more receivers than usual being on the 90-man roster for training camp. Even though DeShaun Watson is expected to miss the season as he recovers from tearing his Achilles twice, Stefanski said Watson is out of his walking boot, continues to rehab, and has been in the meeting room with Pickett and Flacco. 'There's no easy way to just pour an install into a person and say, 'Here's our offense, here's our playbook, figure it out.' It just takes time,' Stefanski said. 'This's just not something that you can just pick up and snap your fingers. I wish it was so; there's just a lot of meetings. You're going to make mistakes — both physical and mental — and what we're trying to do is coach off of those and learn from those.' Sanders said the important thing he will focus on over the next couple of months is trying to improve daily. 'I just find something I want to perfect and just perfect it to the best of my abilities,' he said. 'I'm just thankful for an opportunity. Things could have been a lot worse, but I'm here smiling in front of you all at this facility right now.' ___ AP NFL:
