The Cleveland Browns will enter the 2025 season with four quarterbacks on their main roster. Coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry say the plan gives the team more options if injuries happen and lets young players learn at their own pace.
The Browns will play their first regular-season game on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Reportedly, the quarterback situation is:
- Joe Flacco, the Week 1 starter.
- Deshaun Watson, still recovering from injury.
- Kenny Pickett, a backup who is also hurt but expected to return.
- Rookies Dylan Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Gabriel is listed as the third quarterback. Sanders is fourth on the depth chart.
The Browns Do Not Expect the Rookies to Play
The Browns want their rookies to learn from the veterans first. Last season, 59 different quarterbacks had to start games. CBS Sports NFL draft expert Ryan Wilson said all four Browns quarterbacks could see the field this year.
“I would not be surprised if by late December, early January, all four of these guys have played and maybe even started,” Wilson said (Timestamp – 3:07).
Cleveland also has two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, which could be used to add another quarterback if needed.
Why is Shedeur Sanders in a Tough Spot?
Coach Prime’s son faced heavy pressure from a weak offensive line. Some critics, including Uncle Luke, said the coaches put Sanders in a tough spot:
“You, Kevin Stefanski, throw Shedeur in the game with a tight end whose name ain’t even on the roster, and some other players, and then you have them run long routes, long routes, knowing that the offensive line is not going to hold up, because most of those guys will be cut on Tuesday,” Luke said. “Damn, and not let him go back in in a two-minute drill in that situation, where you know he’s going to have to throw check-downs, get out of bounds, drive the team down the field.
“You really think, Kevin Stefanski, you really think we don’t know football, so everybody’s stupid,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sanders later thanked fans on Instagram and promised to keep improving “day by day.”
“Thanks everyone for the 🧡 and support,” he wrote. “There’s a lot to learn from this preseason, but I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be out there. Day by day, rep by rep, I’ll keep learning and getting better.”
#Browns QB Shedeur Sanders on Instagram:
"Thanks everyone for the 🧡 and support. There's a lot to learn from this preseason, but I'm really thankful for the opportunity to be out there. Day by day, rep by rep, I'll keep learning and getting better." pic.twitter.com/TQN9tNwcTq
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 24, 2025
On offense, the Browns will lean on receivers Jerry Jeudy and Diontae Johnson, tight end David Njoku, and a steady run game. Still, the team plays in a tough division, and experts expect only five or six wins this year.
Browns Week 1 Game Info
The Browns open the 2025 regular season in Week 1 against the Bengals.
- Date: Sunday, September 7
- Time: 1:00 PM EDT
- Location: Huntington Bank Field
- TV: FOX
- Radio: ESPN 850, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX
Fans will have to wait for the Browns to share their full plan. The quarterbacks are also hoping for a chance to prove themselves and hear their names cheered in the stadium.
Main Image: Ken Blaze – Imagn Images
