The Cleveland Browns are in the midst of a competitive quarterback battle with four players contending for the starting role: veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. In terms of experience, Pickett and Flacco have a clear advantage. Flacco brings 191 career starts to the table, while Pickett has started 30 games, mostly with the Steelers, before spending last season in Philadelphia as a backup.
Diontae Johnson Weighs In on Quarterback Race Between Pickett and Flacco
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson, a new addition to the Browns, offered insight into the quarterback battle during a podcast appearance. Johnson suggested that Kenny Pickett seems to be the early favorite for the starting position. He mentioned seeing Pickett taking reps with the first-team offense during offseason activities, indicating the coaching staff’s current preference.
Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett (NFL)
Despite Pickett’s apparent lead, Joe Flacco’s experience and recent performance can’t be overlooked. Johnson acknowledged that Flacco, fresh off a season with Philadelphia and a Super Bowl experience, remains a viable option. While Pickett is getting more early reps, Flacco’s proven track record gives the team a strong backup plan and potentially even a reliable starter, depending on preseason performance.
Roster Limits Force Tough Decisions as Browns Weigh Quarterback Options Before Season Start
The Browns face practical constraints as the regular season approaches. While they’ve considered the rare move of keeping four quarterbacks, roster limitations make this unlikely. Most NFL teams retain only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, with a third on the practice squad. This reality puts pressure on the coaching staff to make some tough decisions in the coming weeks.
If the Browns choose to carry three quarterbacks into the season, one of the veterans—Flacco or Pickett—will likely win the starting role, while the other could end up as a backup or potentially be cut. The rookies Gabriel and Sanders are developmental prospects, and one may land on the practice squad. As things stand, Kenny Pickett appears to have the edge, but the decision will ultimately come down to preseason performance and strategic roster planning.