The Cleveland Browns are no strangers to quarterback drama, but this year, they’ve entered uncharted territory. Instead of one battle at the top of the depth chart, they’ve created a four-man free-for-all.
Veteran Joe Flacco, former Steelers starter Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are all vying for the QB1 spot heading into the 2025 season.
And if that wasn’t complicated enough, new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees says each one of them has a real shot to win the job.
“You can see them all winning the job, I think,” Rees told reporters after Cleveland’s OTAs.
“We’re so early in the process… We’re going to develop all four of them.”
Rees, just 33, took over as the Browns‘ offensive coordinator after joining the staff in 2024 as a tight ends coach and passing game specialist. It’s a rapid rise-and a tough first test. Cleveland’s decision to fill the quarterback room with contrasting styles, career stages, and draft pedigrees has made it the NFL’s most unusual quarterback competition.
Shedeur Sanders Adds Star Power-And Complication
The biggest name in the group might not be the most proven one. Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders and former Colorado standout, was projected to be a late-first or second-round draft pick heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, he fell to the Browns in the fifth round at pick No. 144.
Why he slid is still debated-questions about scheme, mechanics, and NFL readiness swirled-but his presence brings both buzz and pressure. Despite being a rookie, Sanders may already be the most watched name on the Browns’ roster.
Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel-a mobile playmaker out of Oklahoma-offers a different flavor. Though undersized, he’s shown flashes of creativity and improvisation that might appeal to Rees’ offensive philosophy. He’s seen as a developmental prospect, but with reps being split across four players, every day in camp will matter.
Then there’s Kenny Pickett. Once hailed as the Steelers’ next franchise quarterback, he now finds himself seeking redemption with a division rival. Cleveland traded for Pickett earlier this year, hoping that a fresh start and a different scheme could reignite his potential.
Holding it all together is Joe Flacco. At 40 years old, he’s the most experienced option-and the only one with a Super Bowl ring. Last season, he briefly stabilized the Browns‘ offense and remains a trusted veteran presence. Whether that translates into a starting role is unclear, but his influence on the younger quarterbacks is undeniable.
Adding another layer to the situation is Deshaun Watson. He’s still on the roster, still rehabbing from a second torn Achilles, and still carrying a massive $172 million dead-cap hit. Regardless of whether he returns to form, Watson‘s contract continues to cast a shadow over the team’s future.
With training camp approaching, the Browns have four quarterbacks with compelling cases and no clear frontrunner. It’s unconventional, uncertain-and completely captivating.
Come September, someone will emerge as the starter. Until then, Cleveland’s quarterback saga is far from over.
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