Cleveland Browns Expected to Trade Quarterback Amid Crowded Room

The Cleveland Browns face a quarterback surplus heading into the 2025 NFL season following Deshaun Watson's likely year-long absence due to injury. To bolster depth, the team re-signed Joe Flacco, acquired Kenny Pickett via trade, and drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, creating a crowded quarterback room. While Gabriel was a third-round pick and favored by the team, Sanders was selected later but is still given a chance to compete for a starting role. Analysts and insiders suggest the Browns may consider trading one quarterback, with Kenny Pickett viewed as the most probable candidate due to his contract situation and tradability, while Flacco is seen as a shorter-term option. The Browns' front office appears committed to developing the younger quarterbacks Gabriel and Sanders, with the latter outperforming Gabriel in early minicamp activities, though the competition remains open. The team’s approach reflects a strategy to maximize value and roster flexibility, potentially leveraging their depth to recoup draft picks or improve other roster areas.