Cleveland Browns fans now know who will take the reins at quarterback when the team opens the season against the Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Flacco.
The seasoned quarterback, 40, has emerged victorious from what has been one of the NFL’s most closely watched preseason quarterback competitions.
Flacco’s experience ultimately gave him the edge over Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Tyler Huntley, earning him the first snaps of the season.
With Deshaun Watson sidelined for the year due to injury, this quarterback battle drew extra attention across the league.
A Look at the Browns’ Preseason QB Showdown
The Browns’ quarterback room was unusually crowded this offseason, creating plenty of drama and speculation.
With Watson out, the team had multiple options vying for the starting spot, but Flacco’s long NFL tenure and steady play proved decisive.
Now, as Flacco steps into the QB1 role, questions linger about what lies ahead for the rest of the roster, particularly the younger quarterbacks who have been navigating their own rollercoaster journeys in Cleveland.
Shedeur Sanders’ Future in Question
CBS analyst Pete Prisco weighed in on the potential moves for the Browns’ rookie quarterbacks, specifically Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders, a fifth-round pick, may soon find himself exploring options outside Cleveland.
Prisco explained, “The rookie they would probably get rid of is the one they took in the fifth round.”
He suggested Sanders could either attract interest from other teams, land on a practice squad, or even remain with the Browns in a limited capacity.
Kenny Pickett Could Be Next on the Move
Sanders isn’t the only quarterback whose future in Cleveland is uncertain.
Pickett, another young QB in the mix, could be cut or traded, according to Prisco.
He noted, “You have a veteran and two young quarterbacks you want to develop if Flacco doesn’t pan out early in the season.
Ideally, they’d try to get something in return for Pickett, but keeping both veterans and both rookies doesn’t really make sense.”
What Lies Ahead for the Browns
As Week 1 approaches, Flacco takes the spotlight, but the quarterback room will continue to evolve.
Browns fans will be watching closely to see how the team manages its young talents, whether trades or roster cuts come, and how the team adapts in what could be a challenging season.
The coming weeks will reveal how Cleveland balances experience with potential as they aim to kick off the season on a strong note.
