The Cleveland Browns have entered the 2025 NFL season with a crowded quarterback room, but this competition could ultimately work to their advantage. With Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders vying for the starting role, the intense battle is fostering growth and accountability among the team’s quarterbacks.
Shedeur Sanders made headlines during a recent practice when he earned reps against the Browns’ first-team defense, showcasing poise and accuracy in a high-pressure setting. While his performance was not flawless, his ability to adapt and compete against an elite defensive unit demonstrated his potential.
Sanders, who passed for over 4,000 yards in college, continues to impress with his quick decision-making and mobility. Joe Flacco remains the favorite to start Week 1, with his experience and leadership providing a steadying presence for the team.
However, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel add layers of depth, ensuring the Browns have viable options should injuries or performance issues arise. Pickett’s recovery from a hamstring injury has created more opportunities for Sanders and Gabriel to showcase their talents.
NFL Analysis Explains Cleveland Browns’ QB Situation and Why It Could Be a Big Positive
Cleveland’s quarterback situation may end up being a big plus for the organization. This is detailed in an analysis by Alex Kay for Bleacher Report.
While Cleveland’s quarterback room may be crowded after the organization drafted both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, signed Joe Flacco and traded for Kenny Pickett, the fierce competition among these players isn’t a bad thing.
It should instead result in the team boasting its most competent passer since Baker Mayfield departed after the 2021 campaign.
It remains to be seen who will emerge as the QB1 here, but iron sharpens iron during training camp and the Browns are set to finally enter a season with a competent option under center after years of ineptitude.
While the starting job remains undecided, the Browns’ approach to fostering competition has created optimism within the organization. By ensuring every quarterback earns their spot, Cleveland is building a foundation of accountability and resilience. This strategy could pay dividends as the team strives to improve upon its recent struggles and become a playoff contender once again.
This quarterback competition embodies the idea that iron sharpens iron, with each player pushing the others to improve daily. Analysts have noted that this environment could yield Cleveland’s most competent quarterback play since Baker Mayfield’s departure in 2021. The Browns’ coaching staff is also using the preseason to evaluate who can best lead the team’s revamped offense.
