Cleveland Browns Evaluate Multiple QBs for Week 1 Starting Role

The Cleveland Browns face a competitive quarterback situation with four healthy QBs: veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Analysts are divided on who should start; Matt Fontana supports starting Gabriel due to being a high draft pick, while Damian Parson highlights Sanders' impressive accuracy and potential, suggesting he could become the starter early despite being a fifth-round pick. Colin Cowherd favors Sanders over Gabriel but notes the veterans might start first. Meanwhile, wide receiver Diontae Johnson, recently acquired by the Browns, is viewed as a key wildcard with Pro Bowl talent, though his past attitude issues mean he must prove his reliability. Outside Cleveland, the New Orleans Saints may consider veteran Kenny Pickett, due to his prior experience with Saints coach Kellen Moore, if they seek to add a veteran QB later in the preseason. Overall, the Browns' quarterback competition and Johnson's role are central to their 2024 outlook as they aim to improve on a 3-13 record.