Overview

• Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders remain locked in an open competition for Cleveland’s 2025 starting quarterback job.
• During May OTAs, the 40-year-old veteran displayed explosive arm talent and youthful energy that challenged presumptive favorite Kenny Pickett.
• Flacco told reporters he does not see himself as a mentor, insisting his primary focus is playing football and letting his performance set the example.
• His midseason success in 2023 and familiarity with Kevin Stefanski’s playbook give Flacco a significant advantage over less experienced contenders.
• Coaches value Flacco’s gunslinger mentality for its big-play potential but remain wary of his tendency to risk interceptions.