But behind the scenes, veteran Joe Flacco appears to be pulling ahead. According to The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, Flacco is the “strong favorite” to win the starting job after an impressive showing in recent practices.
Shedeur Sanders has been named the 4TH STRING QB on the Browns first unofficial depth chart of the season 👀
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 4, 2025
1. Joe Flacco
2. Kenny Pickett
3. Dillon Gabriel
4. Shedeur Sanders pic.twitter.com/rrfoYv18Xc
Head coach Kevin Stefanski hasn’t made anything official, but reps with the first-team offense suggest Flacco has the inside track over rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, as well as veteran Kenny Pickett, who’s been hampered by a hamstring injury.
Hard to argue with how Shedeur Sanders has handled all of the non-football things… https://t.co/h9Knltk8rR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2025
Sanders Has the Stats, But Will He Get the Shot?
Statistically, Shedeur Sanders is making the biggest splash. Through nine camp practices, the rookie leads all Browns quarterbacks in completion percentage (70%) and touchdown passes (6) without a single interception.
Sanders is also earning praise from teammates and Browns legend Bernie Kosar for his work ethic and leadership, but he has yet to consistently see first-team reps. Pickett, meanwhile, has shown promise but remains limited, and Gabriel has struggled to find consistency despite early opportunities.
While Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders is returning to practice after experiencing shoulder soreness, fellow rookie QB Dillon Gabriel now will be limited due to tightness in his hamstring. pic.twitter.com/vEXteZsRvU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2025
Experience or Future? Browns Face Critical QB Decision
Flacco, the 40-year-old former Super Bowl MVP, offers the most experience and immediate stability, especially after a strong 2023 stint in Stefanski’s offense. But owner Jimmy Haslam reportedly wants to see at least one rookie get a real look this year, with the team holding two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, a class loaded with quarterback talent.
That reality could pressure Stefanski to give Sanders or Gabriel a legitimate shot before the season ends, even if Flacco takes the opening snap in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Photo Credit: Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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