So far this offseason, the Cleveland Browns have been the hottest topic in the NFL-not the champion Eagles, the Chiefs’ dynasty, or even the so-called America’s Team, the Cowboys. The buzz isn’t just about the rare situation where four quarterbacks-Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, rookie Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders-could start in Week 1. Sanders, a former top draft prospect who slipped to the fifth round, has turned heads and brought all the attention, overshadowing what would’ve been a quiet competition among the others. This unique QB battle has kept Cleveland in the headlines as training camp heats up.
UFC Legend Miocic Joins Browns Camp, Gets Lifted by Garrett
With training camps in full swing and preseason games kicking off tomorrow, the Browns’ camp threw a curveball when players spotted their new photographer: none other than Stipe Miocic, a former UFC champ last seen in the octagon at UFC 309 in November 2024, where he took a third-round knockout loss to Jon Jones.
Now snapping pics for Cleveland, Miocic-who boasts a 20-5 UFC record, the most wins in heavyweight title fights, and the longest title defense streak in the division-got an unexpected lift from Myles Garrett, the team’s most valuable and arguably strongest player, not just on the Browns but across the NFL.
The moment also caught Miocic chatting briefly with veteran defensive back Denzel Ward, blending UFC and NFL worlds in a cool crossover. Imagine these two titans squaring off-Miocic would likely dominate, but give Garrett six months of intense training, and you’d have a blockbuster fight on your hands!
QB Decision Looms as Browns Eye a Strong Start
Turning back to the Browns’ future, the big question is who will start next week against the Panthers-and, more importantly, who will lead off in Week 1 against the Bengals. Head coach Kevin Stefanski needs to make a decision soon. In my opinion, Kenny Pickett has the upper hand thanks to his two years as a starter in Pittsburgh and last season as a backup for the champion Eagles. However, in a wild franchise like Cleveland, anything can happen.
I wouldn’t bet against Shedeur Sanders, who has been the standout statistically in camp. Whoever Stefanski chooses, the team must unite behind him. Since Stefanski took over, the Browns have turned things around, going from one playoff appearance this century to two in five years.
They’ve also notched their first playoff win since 1994 and tied the franchise record with two 11-win seasons. Still, the starting position is not set. Cleveland has cycled through 40 different starters since 1999, the most in the NFL, with only Tim Couch and Baker Mayfield playing every game in a season.
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