Joe Flacco was named the Browns’ starting quarterback to open the 2025 season, turning the club’s four-man competition into a clear, veteran-led plan. At 40, Flacco has dominated first-team reps in camp as Kenny Pickett recovers from a hamstring injury, with Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders also receiving looks. Deshaun Watson remains on the physically unable to perform list as he rehabs an Achilles injury, likely sidelining him for most of 2025. The Week 1 assignment is a home date with Cincinnati, giving Cleveland a bridge option while evaluating its youth.

Front offices and coaches stress the need to evaluate Gabriel and Sanders early, especially with 2026 draft capital looming and first-round picks still ahead. Cleveland could, in theory, keep all four QBs on the roster, but that’s a financial stretch, and conversations will intensify as rosters tighten. The Browns have already used 2025 picks on quarterbacks and own ample 2026 draft capital, underscoring the push to determine a long-term answer sooner rather than later.

Gabriel has commanded more first-team looks than Sanders in practice, though Sanders flashed in the preseason opener with two touchdowns against Carolina. Joint practices with Philadelphia and preparation for a preseason finale versus Los Angeles contribute to the evaluation window. Flacco’s steadiness could buy time for Cleveland’s young quarterbacks to develop, especially as the schedule opens against winning teams from 2024, testing the club’s depth and fantasy upside at the position.