The Cleveland Browns are in the midst of an unprecedented preseason, with four quarterbacks competing for the coveted starting role. Shedeur Sanders, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel are all vying for the top spot, creating a dynamic and highly competitive environment at training camp.

The Quarterback Competition

The Browns are one of three NFL teams (alongside the Colts and Saints) embroiled in a quarterback battle this summer. With Deshaun Watson sidelined for most of the 2025 season due to an Achilles injury, the team has had to rely on its depth chart to find a reliable starter.

• Joe Flacco: The 18-year veteran has taken the majority of snaps with the first-team offense, bringing experience and leadership to the group.
• Kenny Pickett: A 2022 first-round pick, Pickett has shown promise but is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
• Dillon Gabriel: A 2025 third-round pick, Gabriel has been consistent and has outpaced the other quarterbacks in total practice snaps.
• Shedeur Sanders: The fifth-round pick has yet to take a snap with the first-team offense but has shown potential during second-team reps.

Managing Reps and Injuries

Coach Kevin Stefanski has emphasized that the final decision on the starting quarterback has yet to be made. The team has had to navigate injuries and limited practice time, with Pickett and Gabriel both dealing with hamstring issues. To compensate, the Browns have implemented creative solutions, such as:

• Two-Spotting: Splitting the offense into two fields to maximize reps.
• Virtual Walk-Throughs: Using a turf-floored room with interactive screens for film study and play scripting.
• Hungry Dawgs Sessions: Post-practice drills that allow young players and backups to get additional competitive reps.

Looking Ahead

The Browns are set to hold joint practices with the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles, followed by preseason games that will play a crucial role in determining the starting quarterback. Sanders is expected to start in the preseason opener against the Panthers, giving him a chance to prove himself on the field.

Player Perspectives

• Kenny Pickett: "You don't know what you're going to get that day. You're just showing up and prepared to go play the entire practice."
• Dillon Gabriel: "The moment you're thinking about the reps you don't have, you're not focusing on the reps you do have."
• Shedeur Sanders: "I know I have the utmost standards for myself, and all I can do is go out there and do what I got to do every day."

As the Browns continue to navigate this four-way quarterback battle, the team remains focused on finding the right leader to guide them through the 2025 NFL season.