The Cleveland Browns thought they had settled their quarterback battle, but naming Joe Flacco as their starter has only created new questions.
With four quarterbacks on the roster and trade calls already coming in, the Browns’ most intriguing decisions still lie ahead.
How Will Joe Flacco’s Selection Impact the Browns’ Quarterback Room?
Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old former Super Bowl MVP, has officially been named the Browns’ starter for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, as reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN and PFSN’s Abhimanyu Chaudhary.
Sources: Browns are naming Joe Flacco as their Week 1 starting quarterback vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. pic.twitter.com/XND3YQ0NrC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2025
His experience and steady hand drove the team’s decision. According to Chaudhary, Flacco’s reliability reduces the risk of costly mistakes while giving Cleveland valuable time to develop its two rookie quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
But while Flacco’s starting role is locked in, the fate of Cleveland’s other quarterbacks remains anything but certain. The Browns now face a complex roster puzzle that could reshape their depth chart entirely.
Why Are the Browns Fielding Trade Calls for Multiple Quarterbacks?
NFL analyst Aditi Kinkhabwala, speaking on CBS, revealed the organization’s unusual approach to managing four quarterbacks.
“There’s a very good chance that Andrew Berry and the Browns are going to be fielding phone calls for any and all of these QBs right now.”@AKinkhabwala after the Browns named Joe Flacco QB1. pic.twitter.com/Gv0uGPKV7t
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 18, 2025
“Browns’ general manager, Andrew Berry, has insisted that he can keep four quarterbacks on the active roster. His feeling is that your last five guys on a roster are developmental guys anyway, and so why not keep a developmental quarterback?” she revealed.
However, that philosophy doesn’t eliminate the possibility of roster moves. Kinkhabwala shared that she spoke with an NFL offensive coach who specifically asked about Kenny Pickett as a potential trade target. She also suggested that even Flacco himself could become trade bait, depending on how the market develops.
This reflects quarterback hunger across the league, where several teams remain unsettled under center heading into the season. Kinkhabwala emphasized there is “a very good chance that Andrew Berry and the Browns are going to be fielding phone calls for any and all of these quarterbacks right now.”
The trade interest creates fascinating dynamics for Cleveland. They could capitalize on other teams’ desperation while keeping their preferred depth, or they might find offers too good to refuse.
What Does the Future Hold for Sanders, Gabriel, and Pickett?
The preseason showcased both promise and areas needing work for Sanders and Gabriel. Chaudhary noted that Sanders impressed fans with his performance against the Carolina Panthers, while Gabriel looked solid against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite those encouraging showings, both rookies were ultimately deemed unready for starting jobs.
The decision to start Flacco gives both young quarterbacks a chance to develop without the pressure of immediate expectations. They can learn the system, adjust to NFL speed, and prepare for future opportunities while watching a veteran manage games.
Meanwhile, Pickett faces the most uncertain future. The former first-round pick hasn’t found his footing since arriving in Cleveland, and Chaudhary highlighted that the team has yet to define his role moving forward. That ambiguity keeps trade possibilities very much alive.
The Browns may have their Week 1 starter locked in, but the ripple effects of choosing Flacco are just beginning. With fans pushing for Sanders to get his shot, trade chatter swirling around Pickett, and the constant possibility of roster moves, Cleveland’s quarterback situation remains one of the NFL’s most compelling storylines entering the 2025 season.
