As the Browns move on from Deshaun Watson in June 2025, a 4-way QB battle between Pickett, Flacco, Gabriel & Sanders will define their season. Who will win?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Welcome to the new era of Cleveland Browns football, an era defined not by a single franchise quarterback, but by a four-way free-for-all. As the team officially moves on from Deshaun Watson, the biggest question heading into training camp is who will lead an offense loaded with weapons but plagued by uncertainty. From veteran saviors to high-profile rookies, the battle for QB1 is on, and it's just one of several major storylines shaping the Browns' 2025 season.
His main job is to play football... Don't get derailed.
The Deshaun Watson era is officially over, and the numbers tell the story: a 9-10 record, 12 interceptions, and 70 sacks in just 19 games. Now, the Browns are resetting with a fascinating four-way quarterback competition. The contenders? Veteran journeyman Kenny Pickett, last year's surprise hero Joe Flacco, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, and highly-publicized fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders. This isn't just a camp competition; it's a battle for the identity of the entire offense after a dismal 2024 season where the team ranked dead last in the NFL with just 15 points per game.
The new quarterback will have no shortage of targets, but will they get the ball? Analysts are pegging both tight end David Njoku and newly acquired receiver Jerry Jeudy for potential breakout years. However, NBC Sports' fantasy preview rightly questions Jeudy's value in what could be a crowded and muddled offense. Adding to the intrigue, fellow receiver Diontae Johnson reportedly made 'alarming comments' about the team's offensive direction, hinting at internal friction. A recent film analysis showed how the trio could be used, but it all hinges on which of the four QBs can unlock their potential.
No player is under a bigger microscope than rookie Shedeur Sanders. The fifth-round pick arrived with a massive brand and social media following, but The Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto issued a stern warning: 'Don't get derailed.' Pluto's column on Wednesday cautioned the young QB to prioritize football over fame, especially with seasoned pros like Flacco and Pickett in the room. While Sanders impressed in rookie camp, Pluto emphasized that calls for him to start Week 1 are premature and that his primary focus must be on mastering the playbook, not building his brand.
The uncertainty isn't limited to the offense. The defense is grappling with its own lingering questions, namely how to generate a pass rush after the departure of Za'Darius Smith and whether the secondary has improved enough. The development of young players like Alex Wright is now more critical than ever. As if that weren't enough, the team's future home is a source of public controversy. The Cuyahoga County Executive blasted state lawmakers for earmarking $600 million for a proposed domed stadium in Brook Park, creating a contentious political backdrop for the team's on-field transition.
As June comes to a close, the Browns are a team at a crossroads. Every position group seems to have a question mark, but none loom larger than the one under center. The next few months will be a crucible, testing the focus of a hyped rookie, the resilience of veteran arms, and the patience of a fanbase desperate for a winner. All eyes now turn to training camp, where the battle for 2025 will truly begin, both on the field and off it.
