Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns have one of the most interesting quarterback situations in the NFL right now. The head coach had some fun comments on the dynamic between his QBs.
Shedeur Sanders and Joe Flacco Building Unique Relationship in Cleveland
The Browns have really packed out their quarterback room in 2025, as they look for a replacement for Deshaun Watson, both immediately and long-term.
Watson re-ruptured his Achilles during the rehab process and is now expected to be sidelined for at least a significant portion of the 2025 season. Many fans question whether he’ll return to the starting role in Cleveland again, especially given the franchise’s current group of signal-callers and the draft capital they hold in 2026.
The Browns have this season to determine whether their franchise quarterback is already in the room. They drafted Dillon Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 draft and added Sanders two rounds later in round five.
Both picks came after they’d already traded a fifth-round pick and QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson for Kenny Pickett, in an exchange with the Philadelphia Eagles.
If one of those QBs does turn out to be the long-term answer, Cleveland will then have two first-round draft picks in the 2026 draft to use as they please. If the current list of QBs doesn’t work out for whatever reason, they can instead package those picks and go after one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming class.
Flacco brings some much-needed experience to the group, and coach Stefanski spoke this week about the interesting dynamic between the 40-year-old and 23-year-old Sanders:
“To see those two bounce ideas off of each other is hilarious. Joe will say a few things, and I’ll be like Joe, Shedeur wasn’t born. He wasn’t born then!”
would love to be in these meetings 😂@ShedeurSanders x @JoeFlacco pic.twitter.com/RSP7fGhD96
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 12, 2025
Stefanski continued by praising the young quarterback:
“He’s got great energy. Great kid. Working his tail off and he’s playing really well too.”
While Sander slid into the fifth round of the NFL draft, he is proving himself to be one of the best rookie QBs on the field at practice. The early signs point to his poise and control at the position, hitting his mark consistently as the quarterback battle continues.
Cleveland Browns Will Likely Have To Cut One of Their QBs
While the quarterbacks in Cleveland are building a healthy relationship with one another, the harsh reality of the business is that one of them might not make the cut.
If Watson does land on the PUP list to start the season, it frees up an extra slot. Even then, trying to carry four quarterbacks is nearly impossible, especially if they’re all somewhat valuable assets.
The Browns could take three on the active roster and place a fourth QB on the practice squad, but both rookies would likely be claimed in a heartbeat, and Kenny Pickett could draw interest too.
Flacco’s experience and the ability he has to educate young quarterbacks are very valuable. If he were to land on the practice squad, he too would likely be claimed quickly.
Cleveland may have the option to trade somebody, depending on who they decide to prioritize heading into the season. It’s going to be a fascinating situation to watch unfold as training camp gets underway, and crucial preseason snaps could be a determining factor in the outcome.
