The Cleveland Browns opened 2025 training camp with a fierce QB battle. Vets Joe Flacco & Kenny Pickett compete with rookies Shedeur Sanders & Dillon Gabriel.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The air in Berea is officially electric. The Cleveland Browns opened training camp on Thursday, and all eyes are fixed on the single most important storyline of the summer: the four-way battle for the starting quarterback position. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are splitting reps with highly-touted rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, kicking off a competition that will define the Browns' 2025 season.
It's not going to be done in one day. It's not going to be done in two weeks. You got to show up and be your best every single day.
It's a clash of experience versus youth, and the coaching staff isn't rushing a decision. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the timeline is flexible, emphasizing daily evaluation as the team ramps up to full pads and contact. The veterans are embracing the challenge. Joe Flacco, the hero of last season's playoff push, expressed his excitement to be back, stating, 'to get the call from these guys and learn that they actually did want to bring me back was very exciting.' Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett is locked in on the process. 'You got to show up and be your best every single day,' Pickett told the media, perfectly summarizing the grind ahead. The importance isn't lost on the guys in the trenches, either. Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio noted, 'It's a big thing... I think all of them are talented and all of them have that ability to be a starting quarterback in this league.' The stage is set for a true meritocracy under center.
While the quarterback room is crowded, the running back room is dealing with a significant absence. General Manager Andrew Berry delivered some concerning news, indicating that rookie running back and presumed key contributor Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned and may not report to camp anytime soon. With no immediate resolution expected, the team's depth at the position is an early question mark. However, another rookie is seizing the opportunity. Coach Stefanski had high praise for Dylan Sampson, calling him 'very conscientious, very intelligent' and noting he's been impressive 'in a bunch of different facets of the game.' Keep an eye on Sampson; he could be a surprise standout as the Judkins situation unfolds.
Amidst the on-field battles, the Browns also gave fans something to howl about. The team officially unveiled its new 'Alpha Dawg' alternate helmet for the 2025 season. Presented by DUDE Wipes, the fresh design generated a massive buzz on social media, giving the Dawg Pound a new look to anticipate this fall. It's a sharp, aggressive design that adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming season.
Day one is in the books, but the real story is just beginning. The coming days will be crucial, especially as the pads come on and the intensity of the quarterback competition ramps up. Who will separate themselves from the pack? Will Dylan Sampson continue to impress and force his way into the running back rotation? And will the front office find a resolution with Quinshon Judkins? The storylines are rich, and we'll be watching every snap as the Browns forge their identity for 2025.
