After falling short of the playoffs last season, the Cleveland Browns are entering the new campaign determined to return to postseason contention. As part of that push, the team is focused on building a competitive roster, with the quarterback battle shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the team.

Forty-year-old veteran quarterback Joe Flacco returns to the Cleveland Browns after a season with the Indianapolis Colts, aiming to prove he still has the skills that once led him to a Super Bowl title with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013. Currently, Flacco remains with the team throughout training camp, using the sessions to fine-tune his game and adapt ahead of the season’s kickoff.

Shedeur Sanders under pressure at Browns camp as doubts persist despite strong performance

Flacco is well aware of the competition ahead, as he contends for the starting quarterback role alongside former Super Bowl champion Kenny Pickett, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, and one of the most talked-about names of the offseason, Shedeur Sanders.

Flacco returns to Cleveland amid intense QB competition

Four quarterbacks of varying ages are competing for the Cleveland Browns’ starting role, but the final decision rests solely with Head Coach Kevin Stefanski. While the answer remains uncertain, Stefanski has stated that the team will rotate the roster, ensuring each contender gets time on the field to prove their case.

However, Joe Flacco expressed some reservations about the team’s approach. Speaking to Browns team media, the 40-year-old veteran admitted that the idea of rotating quarterbacks doesn’t offer the stability he believes is crucial heading into the season.

Flacco was not clear about what to expect next season, stating, “You know, it’s tough to have expectations.” He also spoke about the dynamic in the quarterback room, noting that open communication between them helps each player understand where they stand and what their potential role on the team could be.

“I think there’s been some communication between probably all the quarterbacks. So, yeah, I guess I know a little bit what to expect, at least for the next week. But you can’t ask me. It’s hard for me to tell what it’s going to look like, you know, two, three weeks from now.” Flacco told.

Uncertainty grows around Flacco’s role amid Browns’ QB rotation

Nevertheless, something caught everyone’s attention during the Cleveland Browns’ training camp. In an 11-on-11 drill,Flacco was not included, while the other three quarterbacks took reps on the field. This absence raised questions about his current standing in the depth chart and what it might signal for the upcoming season.

Kevin Stefanski, for his part, has been clear in stating that the team will rotate quarterbacks during camp. Speaking to the media, he added that he plans to “make decisions sooner rather than later” a stance Joe Flacco supports, as he emphasized the need for clarity moving forward.

The Cleveland Browns are set to kick off their preseason against the Carolina Panthers, a matchup that could offer the first real glimpse at who might secure the starting quarterback role and how the team is shaping up for the upcoming season.

Shedeur Sanders vows to slow down while he ramps up the QB competition. cleveland.com

BEREA, Ohio – Shedeur Sanders had an eventful first podium interview of training camp, but won the session hands down.

It began with him being escorted out to the one of the two podiums, only to see that Browns veteran linebacker Jerome Baker was conducting his first camp interview at the other podium.

#Browns Shedeur Sanders on his speeding citations and his approach to driving now: pic.twitter.com/QMgvksf0AW — Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) July 25, 2025

It’s clear early on in training camp that Shedeur Sanders isn’t getting the quality reps the other veteran quarterbacks are receiving. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns have advertised a four-way quarterback battle in training camp, but two days in, actions speak louder than words — and the practice reps are telling a completely different story about who has a real shot at the starting job.

While veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco are receiving meaningful reps with quality players, and rookie Dillon Gabriel is getting some opportunities with the second team, Shedeur Sanders — arguably the most intriguing prospect of the group — is being left with scraps that make fair evaluation nearly impossible.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett talks with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy during day 4 of training camp in Berea. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

BEREA, Ohio — Does the Browns’ WR1 have any strong opinions about their hunt for QB1?

If he does, he certainly wasn’t ready to provide them to the media on Sunday, with Cleveland still in the middle of a four-quarterback position battle between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

2025 will certainly be an intriguing one for the Cleveland Browns. At the moment, the Browns’ four quarterbacks are vying for the starting job. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett look to prove they deserve another shot at starting. Rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders undoubtedly want to stake their claim as the top guy. In any case, Gabriel has a different viewpoint on the competition, as Cleveland beat writer Scott Petrak shared on X, formerly Twitter.

Browns QB Dillon Gabriel said he’s focused on today, rather than thinking about winning starting job. pic.twitter.com/mRBpl60sOn — Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) July 25, 2025 Expand Tweet

“Browns QB Dillon Gabriel said he’s focused on today, rather than thinking about winning starting job,” posted Petrak on the social media platform.

The third-round pick’s focus is certainly an interesting topic as the competition rages on. While many expect Flacco to claim the starting role (he’s had success with head coach Kevin Stefanski in the past), there are certainly quite a few that would like to see if Gabriel or fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders rise to the occasion. If they can, then perhaps Stefanski’s leash this season will be a bit longer. However, Flacco could offer a steady hand with the ability to lead a playoff team. Which path will Cleveland choose?

Will Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders win Browns quarterback battle?

On the one hand, seeing what exactly the rookies can do from the get-go is an interesting thought. Gabriel was one of college football’s most prolific quarterbacks during all three of his stops. With the Oregon Ducks last year, he led an undefeated regular season and Big Ten title win before losing to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

Sanders lit up the scoreboards while playing for his father Deion at Jackson State and Colorado yet had an unexpected slide in the draft until the Browns picked him in round five. Now, he has to prove he deserves a spot on the roster. A lot of teams don’t even carry three quarterbacks on game day, much less four. If Flacco and Pickett also play well, then Cleveland might have to move one of the four. In any case, Gabriel’s focus on daily gains may lead to long term accomplishment.