Cleveland Browns Begin OTAs with Quarterback Competition, Injury Concerns

The Cleveland Browns have commenced their Organized Team Activities (OTAs), marking the beginning of preparations for the 2025 NFL season. A key focus this offseason is the quarterback competition involving veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, with early indications favoring Pickett as a potential starter. OTAs provide coaches a vital opportunity to integrate players, especially rookies, and evaluate team dynamics, despite being voluntary and limited to non-contact drills. The team is also monitoring the performance and off-field behavior of new wide receiver Diontae Johnson and the impact of rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger filling in for the injured Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Media access to practices has increased, allowing fans and analysts like Tony Grossi to observe the unfolding quarterback battle and other key positional developments. Overall, the Browns aim to improve on a disappointing previous season, using OTAs as a foundational step towards building a more competitive roster.