Cleveland QB Showdown: Will Flacco’s Experience Edge Out Pickett for the Starting Role?
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2025 NFL season. After a tumultuous few years at the position, Browns fans are eager to find stability and consistency under center. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to a twice-ruptured Achilles tendon, the Browns have a crowded quarterback room featuring veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The question on everyone’s mind: who will emerge as the starting quarterback?
The Veteran Presence: Joe Flacco’s Second Act in Cleveland
Joe Flacco’s return to Cleveland has been met with excitement and anticipation. The 40-year-old veteran, who won the 2023 AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award after leading the Browns to the playoffs, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. In his previous stint with the Browns, Flacco completed 123 of 204 passing attempts for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns in five starts.
Flacco’s experience and arm strength make him a strong contender for the starting job. He knows Kevin Stefanski’s system well and has the ability to make big plays. While some may view him as a mentor for the younger quarterbacks, Flacco has made it clear that he’s focused on competing and winning the starting role. “It’s not really about that. It’s just not the main focus,” Flacco said. “I see myself as a guy that can play in this league.”
Kenny Pickett: A Fresh Start in Cleveland
Kenny Pickett, acquired via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, is looking for a fresh start in Cleveland. The former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick struggled to find consistency in his first two seasons but hopes to revitalize his career with the Browns. According to Pickett, the Browns will give him the chance to become the starting quarterback for the team.
Pickett’s strengths include his decision-making and ability to protect the ball. Browns general manager Andrew Berry praised Pickett’s accuracy in the middle of the field and his ability to work outside of structure. While Pickett may not have the same level of experience as Flacco, he’s eager to compete and prove himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL. However, some analysts believe the Browns are pushing the narrative that Pickett can win the job to improve his trade value.
The Rookies: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders
The Browns’ decision to draft both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft added another layer of intrigue to the quarterback competition. Gabriel, a third-round pick from Oregon, and Sanders, a fifth-round pick from Colorado, bring youth and potential to the quarterback room.
Gabriel is known for his impressive college career and his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs. Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is a highly-touted prospect with a strong arm and a knack for making highlight-reel throws.
While it’s unlikely that either rookie will win the starting job out of training camp, they will have the opportunity to learn from Flacco and Pickett and develop their skills. Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Sanders’ preparation and grasp of the offense, noting that he’s putting in a lot of work.
The Depth Chart and Training Camp Battles
As training camp approaches, the Browns’ quarterback depth chart is expected to be a major focus. According to reports, Pickett is expected to take the initial first-team reps in OTAs and minicamp, with Gabriel as the No. 2 quarterback. Flacco and Sanders are likely to split the No. 3 and No. 4 reps.
The Browns strategically set up minicamp to rotate reps for all four quarterbacks. They used the “two-spot” method for a number of drills, structuring those team drills with simultaneous looks to create more reps for all four quarterbacks. In those periods, Flacco and Pickett ran through offensive drills on one field, while Gabriel and Sanders were on another.
The Browns’ quarterback competition is expected to be one of the most closely watched position battles in the NFL this summer. With a difficult early-season schedule, the Browns may need to rely on multiple quarterbacks throughout the year.
The Experience Factor
In a quarterback battle featuring a mix of veterans and rookies, experience can be a significant advantage. Joe Flacco’s 18 years in the NFL provide him with a deep understanding of the game and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
Flacco’s experience in Kevin Stefanski’s system is another factor that could give him an edge. He knows the playbook, the terminology, and the nuances of the offense, which could allow him to hit the ground running in training camp.
However, experience is not the only factor that determines success at the quarterback position. Kenny Pickett is eager to prove himself, while Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders bring youth, athleticism, and potential to the table.
The Verdict
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 NFL season. While Joe Flacco’s experience and familiarity with the system make him a strong contender, Kenny Pickett is determined to seize the opportunity and establish himself as the team’s long-term answer at quarterback.
Ultimately, the Browns’ decision will likely come down to which quarterback performs the best in training camp and the preseason. The Browns are looking for a quarterback who can lead the offense, make smart decisions, and protect the ball. Whether it’s Flacco’s experience or Pickett’s potential, the Browns are hoping to find the right quarterback to lead them to success in 2025.