As the Cleveland Browns head into training camp for the 2025 NFL season, one position room has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike — the quarterback room. With Deshaun Watson sidelined and not factored into the immediate plans, the Browns are preparing for a wide-open competition among four viable quarterbacks: veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dylan Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
A Crowded and Competitive Camp
According to reports from around the league, the Browns are expected to keep at least three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. However, given the potential of all four to show promise during camp, there’s growing speculation that Cleveland may take the unusual route of carrying four QBs into the season — a testament to how valuable the position has become in today’s NFL.
Flacco, who previously played for Cleveland and is familiar with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s system, is widely seen as the early favorite to win the starting job. He brings a veteran presence, a Super Bowl title, and the trust of the coaching staff — all critical elements in a team looking for stability under center.
Kenny Pickett, the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, also brings experience, but he’ll need to outperform Flacco in training camp to earn the nod.
The Rookies: High Ceiling, Steep Climb
While Dylan Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders both arrive with intriguing skill sets and fan intrigue, insiders are skeptical about either rookie emerging as the Week 1 starter. For them to claim the top job, they would not only have to impress in preseason games but significantly outperform the two veterans — a tall order in a compressed timeline.
That said, their performances will be closely watched. Both Gabriel and Sanders could be long-term pieces in Cleveland’s quarterback puzzle, even if they don’t start right away.
Strategic Patience or Risky Gamble?
Analysts agree that the Browns are better off starting the season with a seasoned hand like Flacco. Rushing either rookie into the starting role, especially in a market as scrutinized as Cleveland, could risk long-term damage to their development — particularly if early results are poor. “It just seems like the kind of situation,” one analyst noted, “where if a rookie struggles early, it could turn into a black hole that’s hard to escape.”
NFL’s Most Interesting QB Room?
When comparing units around the league — from the Vikings’ wide receivers to the Eagles’ defensive line — the Browns’ quarterback group stands out not for dominance, but for intrigue. It’s a rare mix of proven experience and raw potential all vying for one spot, and every training camp rep will matter.
Whether Cleveland sticks with Flacco, takes a chance on Pickett, or rolls the dice on one of the rookies, the decision will set the tone for their 2025 campaign. One thing is clear: no position group in the NFL will be more fascinating to follow this summer than the Browns’ quarterback room.