Overview

• Head coach Kevin Stefanski finalized the roles with Joe Flacco as Week 1 starter, Dillon Gabriel as QB2, and Shedeur Sanders designated as the dressed emergency quarterback under NFL rules.
• Team insiders, including Robert Mays, reported the choice was driven largely by the early slate rather than coaching preference, prioritizing experience against a difficult run of opponents.
• The Browns traded Kenny Pickett to the Raiders for a fifth-round pick and signed Bailey Zappe to the practice squad as injury insurance, reinforcing depth without altering the primary hierarchy.
• Veteran guard Joel Bitonio endorsed leaning on Flacco’s steadiness and praised the rookies’ preparation, while Hall of Famer Joe Thomas lauded Gabriel’s processing and urged patience with Sanders’ development.
• Local reporting and team radio analysis indicate Gabriel’s path to QB1 likely depends on a Flacco injury or sustained struggles, with some suggesting a switch could come earlier than expected if the offense stalls.