With the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline just a week away, the Cleveland Browns face critical decisions at the quarterback position. The team’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams will serve as the final evaluation for Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders, all of whom coach Kevin Stefanski has confirmed will be available to play.
Stefanski indicated that he will name the team’s Week 1 starter this week. Beyond selecting a QB1, the front office must also determine if it will carry all four quarterbacks on the active roster or part ways with one.
“I think we’ll let it play out as we get closer to the cut down,” Stefanski said. “Those are all conversations that we are always having, but those are tough decisions. You know, I’d like to keep everybody, but it’s not realistic.”
Here is a look at two potential outcomes for the Browns’ quarterback depth chart.
Scenario 1: The Browns Keep Four Quarterbacks
1. Joe Flacco
Signed this offseason, Flacco has not played in the preseason, solidifying his position as the presumptive starter. He has taken the majority of first-team reps in practice, particularly while Pickett has been sidelined, making him the clear favorite to lead the offense against Cincinnati in Week 1.
2. Kenny Pickett
Acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, Pickett’s preseason has been hampered by a hamstring strain he suffered in July. The injury has limited his participation in practice and prevented him from showcasing his abilities in a game setting.
3. Dillon Gabriel
The 2025 third-round pick made his debut against the Eagles, completing 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards. However, his performance was marred by an interception that was returned for a 75-yard touchdown. The Browns reportedly turned down multiple trade offers for Gabriel during the draft, signaling their commitment to him.
4. Shedeur Sanders
The fifth-round pick delivered the most impressive performance of any Browns quarterback this preseason, throwing two touchdown passes in the opener against Carolina. Unfortunately, an oblique strain suffered in practice sidelined him for the second game, stalling the momentum he had built in his push to climb the depth chart.
Scenario 2: The Browns Keep Both Rookies (Three QBs Total)
This scenario would force the Browns to make a difficult cut, likely creating a competition between Pickett and Sanders for the final roster spot.
1. Joe Flacco
Flacco’s role remains unchanged as the veteran starter, tasked with leading the offense in 2025 while the team develops its younger talent.
2. Dillon Gabriel
As a third-round pick the front office believes in, Gabriel is considered a lock to make the roster. The team’s investment and refusal to trade him underscore his secure position.
3. Shedeur Sanders
To secure his spot in a three-quarterback room, Sanders will need an exceptional performance in the final preseason game. His promising start was undercut by his injury, and he now finds himself in a direct battle for a roster position. If the team wants to give Pickett more time to prove himself, Sanders could become a casualty, though placing a player on injured reserve also remains an option to keep them in the organization. The decision hinges on whether the Browns prioritize Pickett, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, or the potential Sanders displayed in his limited action.
