The Cleveland Browns announced that Joe Flacco will be their starting quarterback in Week 1. For Shedeur Sanders and former Oregon standout Dillon Gabriel, that isn’t ideal.
Some believed that one of them could’ve won a job, but the Browns will go with the veteran option, which also doesn't come as much of a surprise.
While the Browns are expected to be a below-average team, Kevin Stefanski is still looking to win games, as his job could be in jeopardy if they don't.
Can Dillon Gabriel be the Browns starting QB?
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However, for Gabriel, it looks like he might have the best chance to be the long-term starter, at least this season.
Whether it happens by Week 4, December, or even later in the year, the Browns will likely eventually go to a young quarterback. In the latest depth chart, according to ESPN, Gabriel was named as the third-string, while Sanders was listed as the fourth string, which could be telling.
“The Browns on Monday named Flacco their starting quarterback for Week 1, and Stefanski declined to name a backup at the time. Cleveland's latest unofficial depth chart lists Pickett as the backup and Gabriel and Sanders as third- and fourth-string quarterbacks, respectively,” [ESPN wrote](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46063435/shedeur-sanders-expects-browns-roster-spot-struggles).
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Throughout the preseason, Sanders and Gabriel have both shown some decent signs. Sanders has been a bit better, but Gabriel was also taken in the third round, while Sanders went in the fifth round.
That could have an impact on what the Browns want to do, but it's also fair to mention that Cleveland has to put the best roster out there.
If Sanders outperforms Gabriel, that's who should be playing.