As the Cleveland Browns gear up for summer, they face a unique scenario with a quarterback surplus that could shape their roster decisions in intriguing ways ahead of the 2025 season. With Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, and Shedeur Sanders all vying for positions on the depth chart, the question of who will take the snaps come Week 1 is just scratching the surface.
Typically, NFL teams carry two to three quarterbacks, meaning not all these talented signal-callers will secure a roster spot. It’s easy to speculate that the Browns may look to trade or release at least one of these players, but recent insights suggest a different approach could be on the horizon.
Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot shared her insights, indicating it’s “likely” the Browns will hold onto all four quarterbacks when the season kicks off. This strategy seems feasible, particularly given that their combined cap hit of $7.6 million is manageable—especially as the team continues to navigate the financial implications of Deshaun Watson’s injury.
Cabot highlighted how the low base salaries and cap numbers for the quarterbacks create room for this unusual situation. From a roster construction perspective, it could prove advantageous to retain all four players, allowing the Browns flexibility as they progress through the season.
Looking at the competition, Flacco and Pickett emerge as the more seasoned players, giving them an edge as they push for the starting role. Meanwhile, the rookie hopefuls, Gabriel and Sanders, will need to make an impact to change the narrative. Interestingly, despite any trade whispers circulating, it seems the Browns may be inclined to hold onto both of their rookies, fostering their development rather than letting them go prematurely.
However, the landscape could shift dramatically if the season doesn’t unfold as the team hopes. If the Browns find themselves out of contention, Cabot noted they’d likely reconsider their options and might even move a veteran quarterback to give younger players like Gabriel and Sanders a chance before the trade deadline.
It’s worth mentioning that if another team finds itself in a bind, particularly with a quarterback injury before November 4, the Browns could entertain offers for veterans, with Flacco being the most likely candidate. This scenario could provide a balance between immediate needs and long-term goals, ensuring that the franchise can continue to build towards a brighter future.
As the summer progresses, the Browns’ quarterback room remains a fascinating element to watch. They have numerous options at their disposal, keeping the door open to various possibilities while also eyeing the promising quarterback draft class set for next year. With so many moving parts at play, the approach taken by the Browns could reveal much about their strategy and vision going forward.
