The Cleveland Browns have some major decisions looming when it comes to their quarterback room, though cutting one of their four passers might not be part of the plan.
Cleveland has intensified its four-man battle for the starting job, with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel all in the mix.
While it’s widely assumed the Browns won’t carry all four quarterbacks into the regular season, general manager Andrew Berry didn’t rule it out.
“Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely… if they all play well enough,” Berry told Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports when asked about the possibility of keeping four quarterbacks.
Keeping all four on the active roster would be a bold move by the Browns. Berry’s remarks may also signal some early posturing as the team navigates its options.
Last season, Cleveland faced a similar scenario with Jameis Winston, Tyler Huntley, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson battling for a backup role behind Deshaun Watson. The Browns explored trade possibilities for one of their quarterbacks but struggled to find a deal, with teams aware Cleveland was unlikely to keep four QBs on their roster. Huntley was ultimately released and quickly signed by the Baltimore Ravens.
Browns in No Rush to Release Depth Chart
For now, the expectation is that either Flacco or Pickett will emerge as the Browns’ Week 1 starter, providing the team with a veteran presence under center. However, that wouldn’t necessarily close the door on Gabriel or Sanders seeing action later in the season if plans shift.
According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, both Gabriel — a third-round pick — and Sanders — selected in the fifth round — are viewed as roster locks. And with strong performances in the preseason, the rookies could remain in the mix for the starting job.
“The good thing for Gabriel and Sanders, who will both undoubtedly make the team, is that they’ll get plenty of playing time in the preseason, considering the Browns will conduct joint practices before their preseason opener in Carolina Aug. 8, and their second preseason game in Philadelphia Aug. 16,” Cabot said. “If the rookies knock it out of the park in those joint sessions and games, they’ll remain in the starting conversation.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Gaining Momentum
Getty ImagesShedeur Sanders has made a good early impression with the Browns.
Sanders is the true wild card in the Browns’ quarterback competition. Once viewed as a first-round talent, he slid to the fifth round but arrived in Cleveland with plenty of buzz thanks to his high profile and strong college production.
So far, Sanders has had limited opportunities, seeing fewer reps and little time with the starters. Still, his performance during minicamp hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“This was fascinating because I was told Kevin Stefanski’s plan for his four quarterbacks in OTAs and minicamp was to try to get a lot of different guys different touches in different situations, and they all really answered the bell, including Sanders who showed the ability to put the ball in some tight windows,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on Saturday. “He threw with aggressiveness, took some chances, so they like where he sits. Now Stefanski has to formulate a plan in training camp that is probably a little more crystallized, maybe has a little more depth chart to it. They are not there yet. But Sanders has made an impression, there’s no doubt.”
Sanders and the Browns will gather for training camp in July.
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