The Cleveland Browns were back on the practice field for voluntary team activities on Wednesday, with a strong turnout from the team’s veterans.
Notably absent from the workouts were defensive end Myles Garrett, tight end David Njoku, and right tackle Jack Conklin. As expected, much of the focus was on the team’s four healthy quarterbacks, all of whom participated in drills during the afternoon session.
Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders all took turns under center. The expectation is that all four will have an opportunity to compete for a spot on the depth chart—and possibly the starting job. Flacco brings veteran experience to the room, while Sanders is the intriguing and often polarizing rookie. The longtime NFL veteran shared his thoughts on Sanders so far.
“I mean, he’s a lot of fun to be around in those meeting rooms,” Flacco said of Sanders. “I think so far, there’s been at least once in the meeting room that he’s made me crack a smile, and that’s what it’s all about. You know, he’s a young guy trying to learn some football and come out here and practice well and do those things.”
“And like I said, he’s been a lot of fun. I probably wasn’t too far away from playing against his dad, and now I’m playing with him.”
Flacco, now 40, began his NFL career in 2008 as a first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens. Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s father, officially retired from the NFL in 2005 after a final stint with the Ravens. Their careers didn’t quite overlap, but Flacco was in college while Deion was finishing his time in the league. It was Flacco making a joke at how long he has been around.
The Browns selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the draft after his surprising slide. They had already drafted Dillon Gabriel in the third round, making Sanders their second quarterback selection. Both rookies will get a chance to earn a spot on the depth chart and potentially compete for the starting role. Still, Sanders is far from a roster lock, and it would be surprising if Cleveland carried more than three quarterbacks on its final 53-man roster.
Sanders will have to earn his place just like the others. The Browns aren’t committed to any quarterback on the roster beyond Deshaun Watson—at least through the upcoming season. While Watson isn’t expected to play in 2025, that has not been confirmed.
