The Cleveland Browns will bring their quarterback competition into training camp. Could Browns rookie QBs Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel win the starting job?
Who Could Be The Starting Quarterback For The Browns?
Tony Rizzo says Kenny Pickett might just surprise you. pic.twitter.com/YXD5ditwBH
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) July 4, 2025
When it comes to NFL quarterback competitions, most teams are typically deciding between two players. The Browns’ competition features four quarterbacks: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Sanders, and Gabriel.
Flacco is the elder statesman of the bunch. The 40-year-old veteran has played 17 seasons in the NFL, most recently for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski likely brought in Flacco to push and mentor the young quarterbacks. Flacco also has familiarity with Stefanski’s offense, having been in Cleveland during the 2023 season.
Forced into action toward the end of the 2023 season, Flacco went 4-1 and guided the Browns to the postseason. For his efforts, Flacco was awarded the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Pickett is on his third NFL team in three seasons. The former first-round pick played his first three seasons in Pittsburgh. Pickett went 14-10 as the starter in Pittsburgh. However, his inconsistent production — 4,474 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions with a 62.6% completion percentage — led to his downfall.
The Steelers traded Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, where he served as the backup to Jalen Hurts.
Cleveland elected to take a flier on Pickett by trading for him this offseason.
At the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns selected two quarterbacks: Oregon’s Gabriel in the third round and Colorado’s Sanders in the fifth round.
Both Gabriel (72.9%) and Sanders (74.0%) are known for their accuracy, which fits in with Stefanski’s offensive scheme of wide-zone runs and play action. Stefanski has also worked best with good pocket passers.
Who Wins The Quarterback Competition?
Shedeur had a few different strategies 😂@NFLPA | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/C5zq7KIJXy
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 7, 2025
Stefanski has not announced a starting quarterback, meaning this competition will go into training camp and the preseason.
The leader in the clubhouse to start for the Browns is Pickett. The 27-year-old has shown flashes of potential, and the Browns hope he will have more success under Stefanski, one of the best playcallers in the NFL.
Pickett is also entering the final year of his contract. With nothing guaranteed after this season, Pickett will want to exceed expectations to earn a lucrative contract next March.
Flacco feels like the top choice at backup quarterback due to his experience and proven ability to come off the bench and win games.
Sanders and Gabriel are in an interesting situation. If the Browns keep Pickett and Flacco, there’s a strong chance Sanders or Gabriel is demoted to the practice squad.
If the Browns struggle out of the gates, perhaps Stefanski turns to one of the rookies to ignite the offense.
