The Cleveland Browns are entering a pivotal phase in their 2025 offseason as their quarterback room becomes one of the most crowded and intriguing in the NFL. With four quarterbacks vying for limited roster spots, the competition is fierce, and the decisions made during training camp and preseason will be critical in shaping the team's future.
At the heart of this quarterback battle are veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, alongside rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Adding to the complexity, Deshaun Watson remains sidelined, recovering from an Achilles injury sustained last season, leaving the Browns to focus on these four as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Joe Flacco, a seasoned veteran entering his 18th NFL season, is widely expected to start Week 1. Flacco’s familiarity with the Browns’ offensive system, having started six games for Cleveland in 2023, gives him a significant edge. In those five regular-season games, Flacco threw for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, also starting one playoff game. His experience and proven track record make him a reliable option for head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Kenny Pickett, acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade that sent Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick to Philadelphia, is currently the expected starter as camp approaches. Pickett showed promise last season in Philadelphia, stepping in for an injured Jalen Hurts in Week 16 and Week 17, passing for a combined 286 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions before suffering an injury himself. His presence in Cleveland adds a youthful but tested element to the quarterback competition.
Meanwhile, the Browns' rookies, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, are working hard to carve out their place in the team. Gabriel, a third-round pick from the Oregon Ducks, has reportedly impressed coaches with his processing speed and decision-making during early practices. NFL Network expert Judy Battista noted that the Browns were "blown away" by Gabriel's quick mental processing, a trait highly valued in the fast-paced NFL environment. This has earned Gabriel more snaps than initially expected, signaling that the Browns are seriously considering his potential.
Shedeur Sanders, drafted in the fifth round from the Colorado Buffaloes, faces a tougher road. He is the first Colorado quarterback drafted since Koy Detmer in 1997 and carries the hopes of becoming the first Buffalo to start an NFL game in years. Despite being a later-round pick, Sanders has garnered significant attention, both on and off the field. His jersey was the top-selling among all 2025 draft picks, proving his marketability and fan appeal. Additionally, Sanders has engaged deeply with the Cleveland community, recently hosting the Garden Valley Fun Fest to support a neighborhood affected by a devastating apartment fire.
However, Sanders’ position on the team is far from secure. NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo highlighted the precarious nature of the Browns’ quarterback roster, explaining, "You're not keeping four quarterbacks. You got four on the roster here…You traded for Kenny Pickett, then to just get rid of him doesn’t make much sense. You could have four quarterbacks in the building just not necessarily on the roster so I think that’s the way it’s going to play out. Which of those rookies can put stuff on tape in the preseason that makes it hard for the Browns to then subject one of them to get through waivers to get onto the practice squad." This suggests a likely scenario where the Browns will carry only three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, meaning either Sanders or Gabriel could be cut or placed on the practice squad, with the risk of being claimed by another team.
The Browns' social media presence has also spotlighted the rookies’ efforts, sharing videos of Sanders throwing a pass to fellow rookie Luke Floriea and Gabriel connecting with Ahmani Marshall. These clips have sparked a mix of praise and criticism, underscoring the intense scrutiny the young quarterbacks face as they try to impress coaches and fans alike.
The timing of the veterans' arrival on July 22, 2025, marks the true beginning of the competition. Head coach Kevin Stefanski will soon have to decide who receives the coveted first-team reps. Betting odds currently favor Flacco, but Pickett is expected to be the starter, reflecting the dynamic nature of the competition.
Training camp, which officially begins on July 25, 2025, will be the crucible where these quarterbacks prove their worth. The Browns’ coaching staff will analyze everything from arm strength and accuracy to leadership and adaptability. As the preseason games approach, the pressure will mount, especially for Gabriel and Sanders, who must demonstrate they can transition their college success to the NFL level.
Interestingly, the Browns’ quarterback depth chart could look like this heading into the season: Kenny Pickett as the starter, followed by Joe Flacco, then Shedeur Sanders, and finally Dillon Gabriel. This projection takes into account experience, draft status, and early reports from training activities. However, as with any NFL roster battle, surprises are always possible.
In the midst of this competition, the Browns face a rare situation. It’s uncommon for NFL teams to keep four quarterbacks active on their roster, as most carry two on the active roster and one on the practice squad. The Browns’ decision will not only affect their season but could also impact the careers of these young players. If either Gabriel or Sanders fails to make the active roster, they risk being claimed by other teams eager to bolster their quarterback depth.
Shedeur Sanders’ path is especially intriguing. Despite his draft position, his college playmaking ability and community involvement have made him a fan favorite and a potential asset for the Browns. Yet, the harsh realities of roster limits mean that even impressive performances might not secure his spot. As Garafolo put it, "If Shedeur Sanders can show some of the playmaking ability that we saw at the college level, that will make it that much easier. All of those teams that maybe would have taken him at some point (in the draft) and said ‘Do we really want to do it…Oh wait a second, maybe the Browns did hit on something.’"
For Dillon Gabriel, being a third-round pick gives him a slight edge in the eyes of the Browns’ staff, but he still must prove his worth against a crowded field. His quick mental processing and early practice snaps indicate the coaching staff is intrigued, but the competition is fierce.
As the Browns prepare to kick off training camp, all eyes will be on the quarterback room. The decisions made in the coming weeks will not only determine the starting lineup but could reshape the franchise’s future. With veterans bringing stability and rookies injecting fresh talent and hope, the Browns’ quarterback saga promises to be one of the most captivating stories of the 2025 NFL season.
