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Flacco Emerges Frontrunner in Browns’ Crowded Quarterback Competition

Cleveland is weighing a potential Kirk Cousins deal to offset uncertainty created by Kenny Pickett’s fraught start, Deshaun Watson’s injury recovery

Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry speaks during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio.
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Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during Cleveland Browns OTA offseason workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 04, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.

Overview

  • The Browns have five quarterbacks on the roster—Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson—who is expected to miss the 2025 season during Achilles rehab.
  • Flacco’s familiarity with coach Kevin Stefanski and standout practice performances have positioned the 18-year veteran as the likely Week 1 starter.
  • Kenny Pickett’s early struggles in OTAs, including multiple near-interceptions, have prompted analysts to predict he could be traded before the regular season.
  • Shedeur Sanders has slipped to fourth on the depth chart behind Flacco, Pickett and Gabriel despite initial draft-day hype and strong college credentials.
  • Bleacher Report’s Paul Kasabian suggests the Browns are eyeing veteran Kirk Cousins as an external trade target if no current contender proves decisive.