The Cleveland Browns entered the 2025 NFL season with plenty of intrigue and uncertainty at quarterback. Recent moves, particularly through the NFL Draft, have transformed the Browns QB room into one of the league’s most closely watched competitions. Let’s dive into the current state of Cleveland’s quarterback group, focusing on key additions, looming questions, and what fans can expect moving forward.

A Crowded and Competitive Browns QB Room

After a turbulent stretch in recent years, the Browns QB room has an entirely different look. Cleveland’s front office doubled down in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in the third round. The bigger surprise came when they traded up in round five to select Shedeur Sanders, a former Colorado star once considered a top pick. This move has added depth and raised the stakes for all quarterbacks competing for time.

Shedeur Sanders joins a roster that also features established veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Both were brought in this offseason to provide stability and experience, while Deshaun Watson’s future remains uncertain after another significant Achilles injury. As documented in ESPN’s detailed analysis, Sanders’ arrival comes at a pivotal time for the organization, with expectations that every quarterback will get a genuine shot during training camp.

Why Cleveland Drafted Two Quarterbacks

Selecting two quarterbacks in one draft is uncommon. Browns general manager Andrew Berry, however, saw unique value in both Gabriel and Sanders. According to ESPN, Berry did not enter the draft with a plan to double-up at the position but remained open as circumstances changed. Gabriel was rated highly on their board, and Sanders' slide provided a low-cost opportunity to add more talent.

This influx of new faces makes the Browns QB room one of the NFL’s most competitive. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has made it clear: every quarterback, rookie or veteran, will compete for reps. While it’s rare to see such strong competition, the Browns are determined to find their quarterback of the future and not repeat past mistakes.

Shedeur Sanders’ Reality Check

Shedeur Sanders’ path to Cleveland has not been easy. Projected as a potential first-round pick, he experienced a humbling fall to the fifth round. Still, Sanders remains motivated to prove his doubters wrong. A Daily Mail report highlights Sanders’ positive attitude and willingness to work, as well as Berry’s pragmatic but optimistic outlook for his potential.

Berry has openly admitted that drafting Sanders wasn’t originally planned, but saw the value when the opportunity presented itself. Sanders, for his part, is focused on growth, competition, and making the most out of his chance in a crowded Browns QB room.

Veterans, Rookies, and the Future

With Joe Flacco’s experience, Kenny Pickett’s former first-round pedigree, and the arrival of two highly regarded rookies, the Browns have options. The recent struggles—and the massive but unfulfilled investment in Deshaun Watson—have put pressure on Berry and Stefanski to finally stabilize the position.

The outcome of this competition will shape the offense for years. Players and coaches alike recognize this as a pivotal moment, with the team and fan base eager for a long-term answer at quarterback. As the Daily Mail notes, the fight for snaps may be the fiercest in the entire NFL this preseason.

What to Watch For

All eyes will be on training camp as the Browns’ newly stacked quarterback depth chart begins to take shape. Can Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel make an immediate impact? Will Flacco or Pickett emerge as frontrunner, or does another twist await?

The journey to a settled Browns QB room is far from over. This year’s open competition could finally provide the stability that Cleveland’s front office has sought for so long.

Want a detailed breakdown of why Shedeur Sanders slipped and how he fits in Cleveland? Read the latest ESPN report.

Stay tuned for training camp updates and roster moves as the Browns QB room saga continues—this is sure to be one of the most talked-about position battles of the 2025 NFL season.