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Cleveland Browns Quarterback

REPORT: Browns Veterans Have A Preferred Starting Quarterback

The Cleveland Browns have a wide-open quarterback battle, with four different players possessing a realistic shot of starting the season under center. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett have the experience, while third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and the famous Shedeur Sanders offer the promise of the unknown. While anybody could win the job over the next month or two, veterans on the team reportedly want Joe Flacco to win the job, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.

Browns Quarterback
Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders (12), Kenny Pickett (8) and Joe Flacco (15) talk during minicamp June 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.

REPORT: Browns Veterans Want Joe Flacco To Win Starting Quarterback Job

This report shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, as Flacco offers the best combination of upside and stability for this organization. While the 40-year-old is well past his physical prime, he can still execute within a scheme, and memories of his incredible run with the team at the end of the 2023 season should still be fresh on everyone’s mind.

While the team is nowhere close to naming a starting quarterback, Flacco is the favorite to win the Browns starting job. Pickett did nothing to inspire confidence during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Gabriel and Sanders are too inexperienced to line up under center in Week 1, unless one of the two lights up the preseason.

Joe Flacco might be the favorite to start in Week 1, but the quarterback probably won’t start all 17 games for the Browns. At the end of the day, this team has arguably the worst quarterback situation in the NFL, and nobody should be surprised if Gabriel, Sanders, and Pickett all earn opportunities to play in the upcoming season. With a playoff push unlikely, this season could be all about developing one of Gabriel or Sanders into a franchise quarterback.

Main Photo: Jeff Lange – Imagn Images

About David Latham, Managing Editor

With LWOS since 2017, and as Managing Editor for NFL content at Last Word On Sports since 2021, David Latham stands as an authority in professional football analysis. With an intricate understanding of the league, Latham has cultivated exceptional expertise in NFL Fantasy Football, offering astute insights that empower enthusiasts and seasoned players alike. His keen eye for detail and comprehensive knowledge also position him as a trusted source for breaking news and rumors, consistently delivering timely and accurate information. Latham’s contributions are invaluable for readers seeking strategic fantasy league decisions to understanding the impact of league-wide developments. His commitment to factual reporting and insightful commentary has cemented his reputation as a reliable voice in the NFL media landscape.

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