The Cleveland Browns find themselves with a unique opportunity to enter the AFC North race after acquiring a number of quarterbacks both in the draft and during the offseason. The debate now centers on which decision head coach Kevin Stefanski will ultimately make regarding the Week 1 starter.
From the college ranks came Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, while veteran experience arrived in the form of Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Different styles, different levels of experience — and as the weeks go by, Stefanski will eventually have to make a decision.
With the primary goal of improving on recent seasons, Cleveland has plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about a strong campaign ahead—though there are still several key questions left to be answered.
Johnson has chosen his candidate
Diontae Johnson is also one of the new faces the Browns will have on the field this season, and the former Toledo standout has already made his stance clear on who he believes should lead the team on the field when the season kicks off.
Diontae Johnson #16 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.
“I think they are going to roll with Kenny (Pickett) for right now,” Johnson said during an appearance on the Sports and Suits podcast.
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“I’ve been seeing Kenny going like right now with the ones. Then Joe (Flacco) will come in,” Johnson also added. “I think they are probably going to roll with him just to see like he’s coming off a season with Philly and having a Super Bowl. So, I think they are going to stick with him through the preseason. Then you know they can live with Joe and what he brings to the table.”
A four-way scramble for the starting job
The Browns‘ QB competition is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of training camp. Kenny Pickett, the former Steelers first-round pick, will undoubtedly be looking to revitalize his career, bringing a desire to prove himself in a new environment.
However, he won’t have an easy path. Veteran Joe Flacco offers a calm, experienced presence and a deep understanding of the game. Then there are the wildcards: the rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, both looking to impress the coaching staff and secure a roster spot, let alone the starting job.
Ultimately, this competition will boil down to consistency, decision-making, and who can best command the offense during the preseason. Browns fans will be eagerly watching to see who emerges from this crowded quarterback room to lead the team when the regular season kicks off.
