Cleveland Browns Entering 2025 with Quarterback Competition

AKRON, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for an intense battle at the quarterback position as they head into the 2025 offseason program. Veteran analyst Albert Breer noted that Joe Flacco, who recently re-signed with the team, is currently in the ‘pole position’ to take the first snaps in spring practices.

The team’s quarterback roster has seen significant changes through free agency, trades, and the draft. The Browns brought back Flacco, the 2023 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and added 2022 first-rounder Kenny Pickett. Additionally, Cleveland drafted two quarterbacks: Dillon Gabriel from Oregon in the third round and Shedeur Sanders from Colorado in the fifth round.

With Deshaun Watson expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season due to injury, the competition for the starting job is wide open. Breer emphasized that early practices will be critical as Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, and General Manager Andrew Berry assess the players.

One noteworthy observation by Breer was the financial structure of Flacco’s and Pickett’s contracts, indicating that performance will likely dictate roster decisions over monetary constraints.

Typically, NFL teams carry three quarterbacks, but Breer suggested the Browns might keep four, with both veterans active on game days. However, if either Gabriel or Sanders shows readiness to take a significant role, it could prompt changes to the current depth chart.

As offseason training activities (OTAs) and minicamps approach, all eyes will be on how the rookies adapt to the NFL’s tempo and Stefanski’s system. Flacco may lead at first, but the potential emergence of young talent makes this competition one to watch closely.