On July 4, 2025, the Browns face a QB crisis with Pickett, Flacco, Gabriel & Sanders vying to start. Will star TE David Njoku be traded amid the chaos?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
While the Cleveland Browns wished the Dawg Pound a happy Fourth of July, the real holiday fireworks were happening behind the scenes. On a day with no on-field action, the franchise's future at two key offensive positions dominated the conversation, with intense trade speculation surrounding veteran tight end David Njoku and a looming, unprecedented four-way battle for the starting quarterback job.
With Deshaun Watson sidelined, the Browns are staring down a rare four-way competition at quarterback, fueling intense debate about who will lead the team.
The biggest question heading into training camp is undoubtedly: who will be under center? With Deshaun Watson's future in Cleveland looking grim, the team is preparing for a wide-open competition. The contenders include trade acquisition Kenny Pickett, veteran hero Joe Flacco, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. This logjam is already creating ripples, as reports suggest the high-profile Sanders is weighing his options, including potential opportunities in the CFL, due to the lack of a clear path to playing time. This isn't just a competition; it's a high-stakes puzzle that will define the Browns' 2025 season.
Just as the quarterback situation heats up, a foundational piece of the offense could be on his way out. Rumors are swirling that the Browns are seriously considering trading tight end David Njoku, with the Miami Dolphins emerging as a potential suitor. 'Chief' Njoku has been a dynamic playmaker and a locker-room leader, making the prospect of his departure a tough pill for many fans to swallow. Management faces a pivotal decision: retain a veteran weapon or acquire assets by moving him as the team potentially pivots its offensive identity.
Amidst all the roster drama, the organization did take a moment to connect with its fanbase. The team's official social media accounts posted a festive message, 'Wishing you a safe and happy 4th, #DawgPound!' It was a quiet moment of celebration on a day otherwise filled with franchise-altering questions and speculation.
While the fireworks lit up the sky, the real explosions for the Browns are happening on the rumor mill. All eyes now turn to training camp, where this unprecedented four-way quarterback battle will finally begin to unfold and the fate of a fan favorite like David Njoku will likely be decided. Enjoy the holiday weekend, Dawg Pound, because things are about to get very interesting.