The Cleveland Browns have a unique conundrum. After the Myles Garrett trade request in the summer, the franchise has to aim for a competitive season in 2025. However, given their current quarterback situation, thinking for the long term might be a better solution for them. Among the four, only Joe Flacco is a name that could lead them to a potential playoff berth.
None of the trio of Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, or Shedeur Sanders projects as a player who could make them competitive this season. However, they could either give the Browns a clear idea of their future or potentially set them up for a high draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft that seems to be loaded with elite QB prospects. However, a franchise legend of the position wants Cleveland to focus on one area specifically, even as Sanders continues to impress him.
Should the Cleveland Browns Go With Shedeur Sanders?
After Deshaun Watson suffered an injury that would keep him out for the entire 2025 season, the franchise had to scramble to fill his void. As a result, they signed Flacco, traded for Pickett, and drafted Gabriel and Sanders.
With no name sticking out as clearly better than the rest, the rest of the offseason has been a challenge for head coach Kevin Stefanski to figure out who he wants to roll with as the starting quarterback for his team.
Through OTAs, mandatory minicamps, and training camp, all four have engaged in an ongoing battle for the QB1 spot. However, at least publicly, the Browns have made no decision. That hasn’t stopped folks from choosing their sides on the spectrum.
Most recently, Bernie Kosar, a former Super Bowl champion and member of the Cleveland Browns Legends, appeared on “92.3 The Fan Radio Show” to speak about his former franchise’s conundrum.
Immediately, he spoke about the impression the rookies have made on him. “I love how he [Sanders] is handling stuff. He’s out here an hour early. That’s working out stuff, and then he’s one of the last guys here signing autographs and all that.”
However, he also credited Gabriel for “picking up the system,” calling the entire process “fun to watch.” But, he also believed that, for the two to have the best shot, the franchise needed to “sacrifice” the older veterans.
“I love how (Shedeur) is handling stuff. He’s out here an hour early. He’s one of the last guys here. Dillon Gabriel’s picking up the system. It’s fun to watch.”
🚨 @BernieKosarQB with @NickWilsonSays and @JPeterlin on #Browns rookie QBs 🏈
🔊 Listen: https://t.co/l7WZcL134i pic.twitter.com/xgD7yAYsES
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 1, 2025
Speaking about Cleveland’s situation with Baker Mayfield, he revealed his beliefs: “We kill more quarterbacks by putting them in there early.” Instead, a modified approach might be “better for the long-term health of the team and the quarterback.”
At this point, Stefanski’s eventual decision-making direction is anyone’s guess. However, through training camp and the preseason, he might find his answer. For the long-term stability of the franchise, giving the rookies a healthy run might be his only choice.
