With just around three months until the 2025 NFL season kicks off, speculation is underway regarding the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback carousel. For the team that has had the most quarterbacks start a game since 1999, their uncertainty may continue into the new year.
After signing quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco to join Deshaun Watson, Cleveland had three veterans at the helm. That changed when general manager Andrew Berry and the rest of the Browns brass decided to select two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. With Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders joining the group of veteran field generals, who gets the start in Week 1?
Could a Fifth-Round Pick Start At QB in Week One of His Rookie Campaign?
Gabriel, the talented QB out of Oregon, landed higher than many projected as Cleveland grabbed the 5-foot-11 lefty at 94th overall. The story differed for Sanders as the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders slipped to the fifth round.
Despite the late selection, Sanders is attracting plenty of buzz as OTAs kick off in Cleveland. During a segment of ESPN Cleveland’s radio program, the crew discussed the Browns QB room ahead of 2025.
Host Tony Rizzo opens the conversation with Cleveland analyst Tony Grossi as they chat regarding the hypothetical of Sanders starting Week One.
“I wouldn’t say no way, but I don’t see what that path is,” – @TonyGrossi on Shedeur Sanders starting week 1 for the Browns.
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/3K2UpJoTak
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 5, 2025
“Aaron [Goldhammer], this morning, said he could see a way that Shedeur would start game one,” said Rizzo. “You and I both agreed there is probably no way he can it.”
Grossi responded, “I wouldn’t say no way, but I don’t see what that path is.”
Sanders has gotten limited opportunities with the Browns’ ‘A squad’ as OTAs began, leaving Rizzo wondering what else the rookie can do.
“Well if he’s not getting any chances with the ones how the hell’s he gonna win the job?” asks Rizzo.
Grossi pushed back saying, “Well, they’re the experts, they must not think he’s ready for that.”
Who Is the Frontrunner To Start in Cleveland?
With Pickett taking first team reps at OTAs, signs point that he is the frontrunner amongst the group of five. The three-year pro is coming off a season that saw him hoist the Lombardi Trophy as a backup to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
However, with some competition in the 40-year-old veteran Flacco, the starter is not set in stone.
Along with Flacco, if Watson is able to return, there is no question the injury-prone Clemson alumni will have something to prove.
Behind the three veterans, Gabriel and Sanders will look to work their way into the mix eventually as well.
After two decades of a revolving QB door, is 2025 the year that Cleveland breaks the streak and finds their man?