The Cleveland Browns have yet to name a starting quarterback for Week 1. But when they do, the decision isn’t expected to stick for the entire season.
Cleveland enters training camp with a crowded quarterback room featuring veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
The team has maintained that all four quarterbacks will have an opportunity to compete for the job. Still, the expectation is that Flacco or Pickett will emerge as the initial starter, giving the Browns a veteran presence under center to begin the year.
That being said, ESPN’s Dan Graziano expects the Browns to test their depth at quarterback this season, particularly with their rookies. Cleveland will face a significant decision next offseason in the draft with a pair of first-round picks. Graziano said it’s not an overreaction to expect the Browns to start at least three quarterbacks this season.
“Odds are that one of the veterans — Flacco or Pickett — will open the season as the starter. But given the Browns’ history at the position and that most teams use more than one starting quarterback per season, it’s fair to assume the Week 1 starter won’t necessarily be the same in Week 17,” Graziano said.
He continued: “With two first-rounders in a draft that’s expected to be better at QB than this year’s, the Browns will need to go into next offseason with some certainty about who they already have on the roster. Even if Flacco or Pickett opens the season as the starter, Cleveland needs to find out what it has in third-round pick Gabriel or fifth-round pick Sanders. It seems like an absolute slam-dunk that at least three quarterbacks will start games for the Browns this season.”
Browns Shedeur Sanders Expecting ‘Challenge’ During Training Camp
The Browns made one of the most talked-about moves of the draft by selecting Sanders in the fifth round, a stunning slide for a quarterback once projected as a potential first-round pick. Cleveland couldn’t pass up the value, adding Sanders to an already crowded quarterback room that includes Gabriel, a third-round pick.
“We felt like it got to a point where he was probably mispriced relative to the draft,” Browns GM Andrew Berry said after the draft of picking Sanders. “Really, the acquisition cost was pretty light, and it’s a guy that we think can outproduce his draft slot.”
Sanders understands he faces an uphill battle to play this season. But he’s embracing the challenge.
“You know, no excuses. I’ll put in the work and do what I have to do. About to be time to be legendary, whenever that time is,” Sanders said in a recent social media video. “Mentally, at the very beginning, it’ll be a challenge. But I like the challenge now.”
Browns Have Confidence in Dillon Gabriel
The selection of Gabriel was dubbed a reach by most. However, the Browns are confident that his experience and resume can help compensate for his 5-foot-11 frame.
“We spent a lot of time with Dillon throughout this process. Brought him in right after the combine and obviously the private visit and workouts out in Eugene (Oregon),” Browns GM Andrew Berry said. “Decorated college career, very accurate, very poised, throws with anticipation, good mobility. We just thought he had a really well-rounded game.”
Gabriel, Sanders and the rest of the Browns’ rookies reported to training camp on July 18. The veterans are set to arrive next week, when the quarterback competition is expected to intensify. Cleveland’s first preseason game is scheduled for Aug. 8 against the Carolina Panthers.
