The battle for the starting quarterback spot on the Cleveland Browns is far from over. It’s a four-way competition after Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said there was an “open competition.” However, all signs point to Joe Flacco being the starter, at least for Week 1 of the NFL season.
Among the four quarterbacks, Joe Flacco is the most well-known within the franchise. It’s worth remembering that in 2023, he played the final five games for the Browns, winning four, losing one, and throwing 13 touchdown passes. With that, he led Cleveland to the playoffs, and for that reason, it appears Stefanski is leaning toward the veteran, who will enter his 18th NFL season.
Despite that, there’s growing pressure on Kevin Stefanski-fans and media alike are calling for Shedeur Sanders to be named the starter. However, that still seems unlikely, as Sanders didn’t get a single rep with the first team during OTAs and minicamp. In contrast, Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel all received opportunities.
Sports Illustrated ranks Shedeur Sanders as the team’s QB2
In an article, Sports Illustrated placed Shedeur Sanders as the Browns’ QB2 going into the pivotal training camp-just behind Joe Flacco.
According to the article, no quarterback was more consistent than Shedeur Sanders:
“No matter what group he was with, he looked confident, processed plays well, went through his reads, and delivered the ball accurately and on time. Sanders also made the most eye-catching throws of the spring practices. He maximized the reps he was given,” the article states.
Still, it’s important to note that Sanders has yet to take any first-team reps, but with 9 touchdown passes and only 1 interception during OTAs, along with solid minicamp performances, Stefanski will have to give him at least one chance when training camp begins.
Joe Flacco is currently considered the starting quarterback, with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel projected as QB3. Kenny Pickett, due to his inconsistency and limited impact in the NFL so far-even though he was a 2022 first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers-may end up as the fourth option and could be at risk of being cut from the team.
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