NFL teams are just weeks away from kicking off their training camps, where jobs will be on the line. That naturally includes starting quarterback battles, like the one that will take place on the Cleveland Browns later this fall.
At the forefront of that competition will be former Super Bowl winner Joe Flacco , especially since he's the only Browns QB with previous experience in Kevin Stefanski's offense. Then, there's former first-round pick Kenny Pickett , who could be in for a career renaissance with a fresh opportunity in Cleveland.
Lastly, there is the pair of rookies, with third-round selection Dillon Gabriel plus fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders . While Deshaun Watson remains on the roster, there's no indication he'll be healthy enough to start the season, but previous reports have indicated that he may resume practicing around October .
Ultimately, having four or even five quarterbacks is just too much to carry on a roster where teams routinely only carry two or three at a maximum. While the practice squad presents another opportunity to land on a roster, the Browns will likely need to trim at least one QB from their organizational depth chart.
Recently, The Athletic's Browns insider Zac Jackson revealed that the two rookies could be competing for one roster spot in Cleveland. That means, if either one shows enough on film during preseason games and/or scrimmages against other teams, another franchise could snatch Gabriel or Sanders away from the Browns.
"I view it as Joe Flacco versus Kenny Pickett for the starting job in September. Then it's Dillon Gabriel versus Shedeur Sanders potentially for a roster spot and place on the depth chart, but also Gabriel and Sanders versus just being a rookie quarterback and trying to learn while maximizing reps. Gabriel got some starter snaps during the spring, but I'd be stunned if either rookie can actually win the job in camp."
While the two rookies may not be in line to compete for the starting job right away, they could be just one snap away from taking the field at any point this season. Perhaps it's Gabriel and Sanders who make a strong impression on the coaching staff, leading to one of Flacco or Pickett getting their walking papers instead.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings 1-32: Who's on top?
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