The Cleveland Browns enter training camp with four quarterbacks competing for the starting job. Deshaun Watson remains sidelined recovering from injury.
The competition appears to be narrowing between veterans and rookies as the season approaches.
“I was told from somebody that’s in the building, that ain’t a player, it’s really coming down to Kenny Pickett or Dillon Gabriel,” TJ Houshmandzadeh said.
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick believes Cleveland will prioritize experience when making their decision.
“If I was a betting man, Joe Flacco is gonna go into the year as the starter,” Fitzpatrick said. “He has history there, he has success there, and I think it’s a great story.”
Fitzpatrick pointed to Flacco’s familiarity with the organization. The veteran quarterback helped lead Cleveland through parts of last season when Watson was unavailable.
“He’s a guy that’ll bring calm, he’s the guy that’s going to be able to get them off on the right foot,” Fitzpatrick said.
The Browns could turn to their younger options as the season progresses.
“As the season goes along, when you draft guys early, and when you have young exciting guys, they’re excited for Gabriel, we could see him inserted into the lineup,” Fitzpatrick added.
Shedeur Sanders enters his first NFL training camp facing questions about his role. Analyst Emmanuel Acho labeled him “a camp body” when Cleveland selected him in the draft.
That assessment could lead to a potential trade scenario. Dawg Pound Daily’s Mark Sipos suggested the Los Angeles Rams as a possible destination.
“Matthew Stafford is still capable, but the Rams don’t have a clear succession plan. Sanders could sit behind him, learn the nuances of Sean McVay’s system, and grow into a potential starter down the line,” Sipos wrote.
The Rams lack a long-term answer at quarterback behind Stafford. Sanders would have time to develop without pressure to play immediately.
His skill set could fit well in Los Angeles. Sanders’s timing-based approach and quick release align with Sean McVay’s offensive scheme.
A trade would give Sanders the development time he needs. When Stafford eventually retires, Sanders could be positioned to take over as the starter.
