NFL News: Joe Flacco sends clear message to Browns HC Kevin Stefanski amid QB dispute

The competition for the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job is heating up, with several names in the mix, most notably, veteran Joe Flacco. Managing such a crucial position battle is no easy task for head coach Kevin Stefanski, who received a clear message during the 2025 NFL offseason.

Flacco won’t be alone in the fight. He’ll be competing with newly acquired Kenny Pickett, who arrived via trade, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, two highly touted draft picks expected to shape the future of the franchise.

With 18 NFL seasons under his belt, Flacco understands the value of experience when it comes to setting realistic expectations for playing time. As the 40-year-old prepares for another year in Cleveland, he sent a pointed message to Stefanski about his role in the quarterback rotation.

Flacco’s message to Stefanski

“I don’t know what the plan is exactly. But you know, I trust Kevin and that he has a plan for all this, and, you know, that’s really all I can do. You know, listen, I’d love to go out there and take 120 reps a day and get in the groove and do all those things, but like I said, the coaches have a plan, Kevin has a plan, and my job is to just trust that, go out there and do the best I can,” Flacco said, via a transcript from the team.

Kevin Stefanski, HC of the Cleveland Browns (2025)

During minicamp, Stefanski deliberately limited Flacco’s reps in order to evaluate younger players like Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, as well as veteran Kenny Pickett, aiming to gather as much insight as possible before training camp.

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Flacco stays composed

Flacco has openly said he would love to spend more time on the field, especially as he approaches the final stretch of his NFL career. While he admitted he’s unsure about Stefanski’s exact plan, the Browns veteran quarterback remains fully committed to stepping in whenever called upon.