Not Joe Flacco: Shedeur Sanders may have to compete with an unexpected veteran QB on the Browns

The Cleveland Browns do not currently have a clear starting quarterback. For many, the competition is expected to come down to Joe Flacco and Shedeur Sanders. However, a surprising veteran name has now entered the mix for the job.

Cleveland is widely considered one of the teams that has struggled the most with quarterback stability in recent years—and this season is no exception. The Browns head into the 2025 NFL season with five players competing for the starting role.

This offseason, the team added four new quarterbacks: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. They join Deshaun Watson, who is recovering from a twice-torn Achilles tendon.

Shedeur Sanders may have to compete with another veteran QB in Cleveland

There is no clear starter for the Browns heading into the 2025 season. After making several changes at the position by the end of the 2024 campaign, Deshaun Watson remains the only quarterback retained on the roster.

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Watson suffered a twice-torn Achilles tear last year, prompting the Browns to start Jameis Winston. Despite Watson’s injuries, the team has opted to keep him while continuing to evaluate who will lead the offense this year.

Many analysts expect the quarterback competition to center around veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Shedeur Sanders. However, another name has now entered the conversation—and it’s a surprising one: Deshaun Watson himself.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Watson’s recovery has been remarkable. He is reportedly out of his walking boot and was recently seen throwing indoor passes to receivers Jerry Jeudy and David Bell.

It remains unclear whether Watson will be ready for Week 1, but if he is, the Browns may be forced to make tough roster decisions. With five quarterbacks currently in camp, Cleveland will likely need to cut or trade two of them to enter the regular season with a manageable depth chart.

Will the Browns trade Deshaun Watson?

In recent weeks, team owner Jimmy Haslam admitted that trading for Deshaun Watson may go down as one of the worst moves in NFL history. However, moving on from him won’t be easy.

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Releasing Watson would create a massive hit against the salary cap. Meanwhile, a trade seems unlikely—his market value has plummeted, and few teams appear willing to take on his contract or the risk tied to his recent injuries and inconsistent play.