BEREA, Ohio — When the Cleveland Browns started their second minicamp practice in June, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco prepared for another routine day. At 40 years old and entering his 18th NFL season, Flacco values staying active but also understands the offseason’s strategic benefits compared to the Browns’ other three quarterbacks.
General manager Andrew Berry advised that fans shouldn’t assume the quarterback depth chart based solely on reps. Rather than dividing reps strictly by starter, backup, and third-string roles, the Browns brought in two rookies—Dillon Gabriel and Chudure Sanders—to accelerate their integration into the professional game. Practices were split into “two-spot” sessions: veterans worked on more complex plays, while rookies focused on executing quicker, simpler tasks to build confidence.
As the minicamp wrapped up, the quarterback competition appeared to split into two groups: the veterans competing for the starting role and the rookies viewed as developmental prospects. With training camp about six weeks away, the Browns are set to continue evaluating their quarterback options.
Here’s a breakdown of the contenders:
Joe Flacco, the seasoned veteran, is seen as the frontrunner for Week 1 starter. The 2008 first-round pick and 2012 Super Bowl MVP brings a wealth of experience, including a 105-86 regular season record, 45,697 passing yards, and seven playoff runs. Last season with the Colts, Flacco completed 65.3% of his passes but started only six games, winning two. The Browns value his decision-making and ability to process plays, especially after working closely with coach Kevin Stefanski last year. Though currently receiving limited offseason reps, if the Browns view him as the best option, his practice workload will increase.
Kenny Pickett, picked 20th in the 2022 draft, has NFL experience with the Steelers and Eagles. Despite modest stats in Pittsburgh, Pickett is learning the Browns’ system, particularly play-action and center concepts favored by Stefanski. As he grows more comfortable, he could challenge Flacco for the starting job or become trade bait if the Browns feel confident in other options.
Dillon Gabriel has impressed with his rapid learning and college experience spanning six seasons and three schools. Known for his mental sharpness, Gabriel is considered a dark horse for the starter role and a strong candidate for increased responsibility later in the season.
Chudure Sanders was a surprise fifth-round pick after Gabriel’s third-round selection. Despite less playbook integration during minicamp, Sanders has shown a strong arm and playmaking ability. He combines maturity with a desire to be a dependable, sophisticated teammate.
Looking ahead, Browns training camp will provide more clarity on the quarterback hierarchy. The coaches emphasize learning to make decisions under pressure and adjusting the offense to highlight each player’s strengths. General manager Berry sees the competitive environment as a positive driver for performance, emphasizing that every player must earn their spot.
Fan Take: This quarterback competition is crucial for Browns fans and NFL watchers as it blends seasoned experience with emerging talent, potentially shaping the team’s future. How these quarterbacks perform could set a precedent for how teams balance veteran presence with developing rookies in a highly competitive league.
