As the days go by, the quarterback competition drama with the Cleveland Browns continues to deliver new chapters: some say Joe Flacco will start, others that Kenny Pickett will be cut, or that Dillon Gabriel’s days are numbered, or even that Shedeur Sanders will beat them all – every day brings a new version.
The only person who truly knows what’s going on is Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has repeatedly stated that the quarterback situation is an “open competition.” However, according to several insiders, the one leading in Stefanski’s mind to start in Week 1 is Joe Flacco.
It’s worth noting that of the four quarterbacks in the running, Joe Flacco is the only one with experience playing for the Browns and in Stefanski’s system. He played for Cleveland at the end of the 2023 season, posting a 4-1 record, throwing 13 touchdowns, and leading the team to the playoffs.
James Jones believes Starting Joe Flacco would be a mistake
Everything seems to indicate that Joe Flacco will be the starter unless something changes. Kenny Pickett is fighting for the job, as are the rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders – though Sanders is the only one who hasn’t had a single opportunity to train with the first team.
Super Bowl-winning wide receiver (2010, Green Bay Packers) James Jones believes that starting Joe Flacco would be a mistake by Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns. He also believes Kenny Pickett should be the starter.
“Pickett is still very young,” said Jones. “If he goes out and plays well, that’s a bonus for your team, and then you have two young guys behind him that you’re developing.”
Jones hopes that Pickett, who was a first-round pick in 2022 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, will be named the Browns’ starting quarterback.
“Joe Flacco going out there, I absolutely disagree with that because he’s older,” said Jones. “You’re not going to win a lot. But with Kenny Pickett out there, he’s young. He was a first-round pick.”
It’s just one opinion – and surely many more will follow in the coming days. Until the season begins, this situation will continue. One thing is certain: in Cleveland, the Shedeur Sanders saga seems far from over.
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