The Cleveland Browns turned heads during the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting quarterbacks in both the third and fifth rounds, despite already carrying three signal-callers on the roster. Most notably, they ended the surprising draft slide of Shedeur Sanders by taking him at No. 144 overall in Round 5.
When the Browns finally called Sanders’ name, fans began to speculate whether the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders could be the team’s starting quarterback by Week 1. However, one Browns insider says the QB taken before Sanders may very well be Cleveland’s guy come opening day.
Browns Could Make Surprising QB1 Decision
With Deshaun Watson likely sidelined for most, if not all, of the 2025 season, head coach Kevin Stefanski needs to decide on his starting quarterback. The Browns have brought in four quarterbacks this offseason, including fan-favorite veteran Joe Flacco.
Flacco started five games for the Browns in 2023 with an impressive 4-1 record before signing with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024. At 39 years old, Flacco appeared in eight games, starting six, and showed he still has what it takes to play in the NFL.
When Flacco returned to Cleveland this offseason, many thought the team had found its starter. But according to a surprising report from Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, the team may be looking elsewhere.
“Right now, it still would be Kenny Pickett. There were two QBs that they targeted…Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. I would not put Joe (Flacco) in the lead at this moment.”
📞 @MaryKayCabot w/ @KenCarman & @SportsBoyTony on #Browns QB 🏈⤵️
🔊 Listen: https://t.co/NjxJ8bvcHg pic.twitter.com/lolitcXxU2
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) May 1, 2025
“Right now, it still would be Kenny Pickett. There were two QBs that they targeted… Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. I would not put Joe (Flacco) in the lead at this moment,” Cabot said.
Pickett served as the backup quarterback for the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles last year but appeared in only five games — throwing for a total of 291 yards and two touchdowns. While he struggled as a starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the former first-round pick is only 26 years old.
Cabot says Pickett is the Browns’ first choice heading into training camp, but there’s still time for things to change before the season begins. Can Pickett revitalize his career in Cleveland? It’s possible, but time may not be on his side. The Browns’ third-round pick, amongst others, will be gunning for the job.
Browns Favor Gabriel in QB Plans Over Sanders
Fans across the league were stunned when the Browns chose Gabriel over Sanders in the third round as their first QB selection. But Cabot says the Browns have more confidence in the former to run the offense smoothly.
She reported that Cleveland targeted Gabriel from the start, and given their current QB situation, it’s easy to see why.
Gabriel has experience Sanders doesn’t, and while most teams prefer to groom young prospects, the Browns aren’t in a position to wait. Gabriel spent six years in college football, earning a sixth year of eligibility after a season-ending injury three games into the 2021 season. That extra year gave him the chance to finish his career at Oregon.
Gabriel proved he was worth a draft pick in 2024, finishing third in Heisman voting. He also holds the FBS record for most touchdown passes in NCAA history.
His path to the NFL is similar to Bo Nix, who found early success with the Denver Broncos in 2024 after a long college career. Now the Browns hope Gabriel can follow a similar path as another seasoned college QB making an NFL impact.
While Cabot reported Pickett is currently the frontrunner to start in 2025, the competition remains wide open. Stefanski heads into training camp with big decisions to make, and none will be bigger than who’ll lead Cleveland’s offense.
The Browns’ QB1 battle could be one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL this offseason.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
