Unprecedented Quarterback Competition Unfolds in Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns are navigating uncharted waters this 2025 preseason with a four-way quarterback competition that has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. With Deshaun Watson sidelined for most of the season due to an Achilles injury, the team has turned to a mix of veterans and rookies to fill the void. Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders are all vying for the starting role, each bringing a unique skill set and background to the field.
The Browns have adopted a distinctive approach to distributing practice reps, often splitting the offense into multiple fields during offseason workouts to maximize exposure for each quarterback. Coach Kevin Stefanski has emphasized the importance of preparation over mere installation of the offense during training camp, as reported by ESPN. With joint practices against teams like the Carolina Panthers and upcoming preseason games, the stakes are high for each contender to prove their worth.
Breaking Down the Contenders and Their Progress
Joe Flacco, an 18-year veteran, brings a wealth of experience to the table and has been seen taking significant first-team reps during training camp. Kenny Pickett, a 2022 first-round pick, is eager to reclaim his footing but has yet to be fully cleared for practice as of early August. Meanwhile, rookies Dillon Gabriel, a 2025 third-round pick, and Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round selection, are working to make their mark, with Sanders slated to start in the preseason opener against the Panthers on August 7, according to ESPN sources.
Each quarterback's performance in training camp has been under intense scrutiny. As Pickett himself noted, 'It's next man up and when you're not in a competition, I think you're losing ground.' This sentiment underscores the urgency felt by all four players as they 'steal reps' whenever possible to gain an edge. The Browns' strategy of rotating first-team snaps among Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel, while Sanders primarily leads backup units, adds another layer of complexity to this battle.
The upcoming joint practices with the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles, along with three preseason games, will serve as critical evaluation points. Sanders’ start in the opener is a significant opportunity for the rookie to showcase his potential against live competition, potentially shifting the depth chart dynamics that currently list him fourth behind Flacco, Gabriel, and Pickett, as noted in posts found on X.
Future Implications for the Browns' Season
As the preseason progresses, the Browns face the daunting task of determining which quarterback can best lead the team through a challenging 2025 season without Watson. The injury history of their star quarterback has forced the organization to rethink its approach, ensuring that whoever emerges as the starter is ready to handle the pressures of the NFL. The outcome of this competition could redefine the team's trajectory for the year ahead.
Coach Stefanski's cautious stance on reading too much into spring rep distributions suggests that the real test lies in these preseason matchups. The Browns’ fanbase watches anxiously, hoping for a clear leader to emerge from this quartet of contenders. With each practice and game, the narrative of 'stealing reps' and avoiding 'losing ground' will shape not just individual careers but the collective fate of a franchise hungry for success.