Cleveland Browns' 2024 training camp heats up as Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel battle for the starting QB job. Who will lead the team in 2025?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The dog days of summer are in full swing in Berea, and the heat is officially on in the Browns' quarterback room. While veteran Joe Flacco continued to solidify his case for the starting job with a spectacular 'bucket drop' touchdown pass on Saturday, the real story brewing is the resilience of third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was given a chance to run with the first team despite a shaky previous outing. As the team looks to rebound from a dismal 3-14 season, the search for a leader is intensifying with every snap.
Joe Flacco continued to receive the majority of first-team reps and connected with wide receiver Gage Larvadain for a highlight 'bucket drop' touchdown during practice.
The quarterback carousel is the main attraction at training camp, and it's not slowing down. Joe Flacco looks increasingly comfortable commanding the first-team offense, building chemistry with new weapon Jerry Jeudy and veteran tight end David Njoku. However, the coaching staff is clearly committed to a true competition. After a brutal day where he went just 3-for-14 with an interception, Dillon Gabriel was surprisingly elevated to take reps with the starters. It's a classic sink-or-swim test from Coach Stefanski, designed to see how the rookie responds to adversity. Meanwhile, fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders continues to develop, while Kenny Pickett's bid has been temporarily paused by a hamstring injury, leaving him on the sidelines.
While the quarterbacks grab the headlines, the front office has been busy shoring up the roster's foundation. In recent days, the Browns have claimed tackle Sebastian Gutierrez and signed receiver Chase Cota, cornerback Keenan Isaac, and center Bucky Williams. These aren't blockbuster moves, but they are crucial for a team needing to build quality depth. After last year's injury woes and disappointing record, management is leaving no stone unturned, creating competition at every position group as they prepare for the preseason gauntlet.
This year's rookie class is expected to do more than just carry pads. Top picks like Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger are projected to make an immediate impact on defense, while Harold Fannin Jr., Dylan Sampson, and Quinshon Judkins are hoped to add new dimensions to the offense. The pressure is immense for this group to contribute to a turnaround. Of course, no rookies face a brighter spotlight than Gabriel and Sanders, whose performance in camp and the upcoming preseason games could dramatically alter the franchise's trajectory for years to come.
With the practice field battles providing daily drama, all eyes now shift to Friday, August 8. The preseason opener against the Panthers will be the first true crucible for this team, moving the quarterback evaluation from drills to live-game action. How Stefanski deploys his signal-callers in that game will give fans the clearest picture yet of who might be under center for Week 1.
