Cleveland’s Quarterback Situation for 2025 Season

Cleveland is facing an interesting dilemma with its quarterback lineup for the 2025 season. There are up to five potential candidates vying for the starting role, which has naturally stirred some discussion among fans and analysts.

Among these options is the notable fifth-round pick, Chedur Sanders. He recently addressed concerns about any possible conflicts among the group, stating, “Everyone is cool in the room.” He emphasized that while outsiders might speculate about tensions, the reality inside the team is different.

There’s this old adage: if you have two quarterbacks, you actually don’t have any. The Browns might soon have to make a choice between two rookies and three seasoned veterans.

Deshaun Watson, the current starter, faces significant challenges; he might be out for the season due to multiple surgeries on his right Achilles tendon, which, in football terms, could be quite serious. Still, given his substantial contract, he is expected to reclaim the starting spot if he can recover properly.

This sets up a competitive scenario where Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick, will be in contention with veteran Joe Flacco and former first-round pick Kenny Pickett.

Early reports suggest that Pickett struggled as the Steelers’ starter before transitioning to a backup role last year. He’s reportedly making a push to secure the starting position, taking first-team reps during organized team activities (OTAs) and appearing to be in a favorable position for now.

With the season opener against the Bengals just a few months away, many factors, including performance and injuries, will play a crucial role in determining the final decision.

Both Sanders and Gabriel are keen to prove their potential as the face of the franchise for the future. Sanders has expressed his eagerness, noting that he feels a strong desire among Browns fans for a successful team.

“Browns fans just want something, and it feels like they’ve wanted it for so long,” Sanders remarked after being drafted in the fourth round. “I’m here to change it and to deliver what they’ve been missing.”

Sanders is focused on making a mark, but he’s also enjoying the camaraderie with his fellow quarterbacks, including Flacco. He finds it amusing to be sharing a team with a veteran of Flacco’s caliber, saying, “It’s just funny. In practice, I think, ‘Wow, I’m really with Joe Flacco now.’”