The Cleveland Browns kicked off mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, which will run through Thursday. After that, players will be off until training camp begins in July.
As expected, much of the focus was on the four healthy quarterbacks, who rotated through drills. With it still being the offseason program (OTAs), the Browns took an approach aimed at maximizing reps and evaluation opportunities.
Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, represent the younger quarterbacks in the room. Joe Flacco, who has experience with the team, is someone that head coach Kevin Stefanski is plenty familiar with. On Tuesday, the Browns intentionally limited Flacco’s reps to get a better look at the other quarterbacks.
“We try to be intentional about everything,” Stefanski said after practice. “Certainly, Joe had fewer reps today. That’s obviously on purpose. Just trying to get as much evaluation on the guys as we can.”
Flacco started six games for the Browns in 2023, including the playoffs, and boosted the offense with 13 passing touchdowns and over 1,600 passing yards. The longtime veteran is still capable of providing solid quarterback play, and the Browns will gladly take that—especially given their recent instability at the position. While Flacco could start the season, getting reps for the potential future at quarterback is a priority.
Cleveland needs to evaluate third-round pick Gabriel and fifth-round pick Sanders during their rookie seasons to gauge their developmental ceilings. With two first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, this season will be crucial in determining whether either rookie can be the long-term answer.
Limiting Flacco’s snaps is the right move for a player whose abilities are already well known. Cleveland’s approach here is deliberate—and expected.
