The Cleveland Browns have assembled one of the most intriguing quarterback rooms in recent NFL history, featuring four signal-callers competing for the starting position. With veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett joining rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, speculation has mounted about whether the organization will move one of their quarterbacks before the season begins.
Cameron Wolfe’s Inside Perspective
Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network said on a recent appearance of The Insiders that Cleveland is not expected to consider a trade involving either Sanders or Gabriel. Both rookies are anticipated to remain on the Browns roster through the 2025 NFL season.
Wolfe’s reporting provides clarity on what many around the league have been wondering since the Browns made the unexpected decision to draft two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry said it wasn’t necessarily the plan going into the weekend to select two quarterbacks.
The Current Quarterback Battle
Reporting thus far from the Browns’ quarterback battle has made it clear that neither Sanders nor Gabriel is really in the competition to be the Week 1 starter. Instead, it’s more of a battle between veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. As of now, Flacco has the edge.
The veteran experience factor weighs heavily in Cleveland’s quarterback evaluation. Even if one or both play well in the preseason, the Cleveland braintrust has to decide whether it’s going to prioritize winning out of the gate in 2025. If the answer is yes, the experience factor of both Flacco and Pickett lean into that approach — at least to begin the season.
Rookie Development and Standing
The two rookies find themselves in different positions within the organization’s plans. As for the two rookies, Sanders hasn’t received a single first-team rep this offseason with the club, whereas Gabriel has at least received a few opportunities. It further highlights how the Browns’ coaching staff feels about the two rookies, with Gabriel clearly ahead of Sanders.
One insider covering the Browns reported that Gabriel appeared “a little better both days” during rookie minicamp practices. Gabriel’s edge stems from several factors, including his processing ability. One source inside the Browns called Gabriel “like a computer” when it comes to processing information and absorbing the offense. That alone slots him in front of Sanders.
Off-Field Considerations
The Browns organization has emphasized the importance of decision-making in their quarterback evaluation process. Cleveland has also made it clear that good decision-making is a priority for its quarterbacks. Sanders’ pair of citations for speeding certainly didn’t help him in that regard.
Potential Trade Scenarios
While Wolfe’s reporting suggests the rookies are safe from trades, other quarterbacks on the roster face different circumstances. Still, many NFL teams have anticipated one of the Browns’ quarterbacks eventually being shopped in August. Pickett would be the likely option, as he can provide some veteran depth and has experience as a starter. Although it’s unclear if Cleveland would be able to recoup what it gave up for him (2025 fifth-round pick).
Alternative Perspectives on Trade Possibilities
Despite Wolfe’s reporting, other NFL insiders have suggested different scenarios could unfold. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler a trade involving one of Gabriel or Sanders is not off the table: “The Browns got these four quarterbacks they’re going to roll with that for the next two to three months to see how it shakes out. Shedeur Sanders will have every opportunity to make his impression and to make this team. The Browns also look at quarterbacks like all positions, like currency, like value. They could trade one of these guys in August if they play well in the preseason.”
Long-Term Outlook
The Browns’ commitment to keeping both rookies through 2025 doesn’t necessarily guarantee their long-term futures in Cleveland. NFL insider Mary Kay Cabot addresses keeping all four quarterbacks on the roster, stating: “There are ways to get around this… it is the most important position on the team. You might not know this year if Sheduer and Dillon are going to be something down the road. So those guys aren’t going anywhere. They’re keeping Dillon and Shedeur I wrote that in the column that I wrote today. Those guys are going to make the football team. So you can pretty much take that to the bank.”
Current Depth Chart Projection
As of now, even if Pickett is traded, it appears likely that Sanders will find himself behind Flacco and Gabriel on the Browns’ depth chart in September. This positioning reflects both the veterans’ experience and Gabriel’s apparent advantage over Sanders in the early stages of their professional careers.
The Bigger Picture
The Browns find themselves in an unprecedented situation with their quarterback room. Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski, GM Andrew Berry and the Browns are in the most unique scenario in the NFL this offseason with four quarterbacks vying for the starting job in an attention-grabbing situation.
While Cameron Wolfe’s reporting from NFL Network suggests Sanders and Gabriel are secure for the 2025 season, the competitive nature of professional football means circumstances can change rapidly. The Browns have invested draft capital in both rookies and appear committed to evaluating their potential over the course of the upcoming season rather than making hasty decisions based on early camp performances.
The organization’s approach reflects a long-term strategy focused on finding their franchise quarterback while maintaining competitive depth at the position. Whether this strategy ultimately pays dividends will depend on how each quarterback performs when given opportunities to showcase their abilities during training camp, preseason games, and potentially regular season action.
