Browns Confirm Flacco Starter Gabriel Backup Sanders Third QB

The Cleveland Browns have finalized their quarterback depth chart for the 2025 NFL season, naming Joe Flacco as the starter, Dillon Gabriel as the backup, and Shedeur Sanders as the third-string quarterback. Gabriel, a third-round rookie pick, earned the backup role due to his more consistent preseason performance and sharper execution compared to Sanders, who struggled with timing and protection issues. Despite being third on the depth chart, Sanders will dress for games under the new NFL emergency quarterback rules, ensuring he is available if Flacco and Gabriel are unavailable. The Browns traded Kenny Pickett to the Raiders and released Tyler Huntley, while also signing Bailey Zappe to the practice squad, keeping the quarterback room crowded but focused on developing the young talent of Gabriel and Sanders. Head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the confidence in Gabriel's readiness and acknowledged Sanders' role as an emergency option, with meaningful playing time for Sanders only likely if the team's plans change due to injuries or poor performance. Overall, the Browns are committed to building around their young quarterbacks while relying on Flacco to lead to start the season.