Browns Veterans Prefer Joe Flacco Starting Quarterback

The Cleveland Browns are set for a four-man quarterback competition involving veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Among Browns veterans, including star linebacker Myles Garrett, Flacco is the preferred starter due to his proven ability and familiarity with the offense, having gone 4-1 as a starter in 2023 and earning Comeback Player of the Year honors. While Flacco is expected to start the season, his tenure as the starter depends on the team's success; if the Browns fall out of playoff contention, younger quarterbacks Sanders and Gabriel will likely get opportunities to develop. Kenny Pickett, despite his experience, has not inspired confidence, and the two rookies are seen as developmental prospects behind Flacco initially. The Browns are likely to keep all four quarterbacks on the roster, with the two rookies possibly on the practice squad. Ultimately, the Browns view Flacco as a short-term solution to stabilize the position while evaluating the long-term future at quarterback.