The Cleveland Browns are in an unusual situation within the NFL. No other team has a quarterback competition among four players, regardless of whether one has an edge to take control of the offense. This scenario could either propel the franchise forward or sink it, as has often happened in the past.
The quarterback room is overcrowded with names like Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel, and a decision will need to be made soon. For now, each has their own shot at the starting role.
QB competition seen as positive
This battle among players, based on both veteran experience and performance, can be “positive,” according to Alex Kay of Bleacher Report:
“It should instead result in the team boasting its most competent passer since Baker Mayfield departed after the 2021 campaign. It remains to be seen who will emerge as the QB1 here, but iron sharpens iron during training camp and the Browns are set to finally enter a season with a competent option under center after years of ineptitude.”
.@ShedeurSanders connects on the rollout with @JohnsonKisean 🎯 pic.twitter.com/c8ISkfQBEb
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 30, 2025
The idea is for the Browns to find their best option since letting Baker Mayfield go. The current favorite to secure the starting role is veteran Joe Flacco, who led the Browns to the playoffs with a strong finish in the 2023 season, especially since Kenny Pickett has been slowed by an injury during this training camp.
Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are making their case to be considered, though it seems unlikely they’ll win the job, and much will depend on their results.
We’ll have to wait to see who emerges as the winner of this competition and whether the results force mid-season adjustments, potentially leading to a rookie taking the reins of the offense.
