Browns Quarterback Battle Heats Up: Who Will Start?

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has several options for the upcoming season. With training camp underway, a prominent wide receiver has weighed in on who he believes will get the nod. Competition among the quarterbacks is intense, raising questions about the Browns’ offensive strategy.

Early Favorite Emerges

Four quarterbacks are competing for the starting position: Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Flacco holds a significant advantage due to his 191 career starts, compared to Pickett’s 30. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who recently joined the Browns, shared his thoughts on the quarterback race.

“I think they are going to roll with Kenny for right now,” Johnson said.

“I’ve been seeing Kenny going like right now with the ones. Then, Joe will come in,” Johnson said. “I think they are probably going to roll with him just to see like he’s coming off a season with Philly and having a Super Bowl. So, I think they are going to stick with him through the preseason. Then, you know they can live with Joe and what he brings to the table.”

—Diontae Johnson

Pickett, 27, started 24 games for Pittsburgh before being traded to Philadelphia, where he backed up Jalen Hurts for nearly all of last season. As of this year, the average career length for NFL quarterbacks is just over four seasons, showcasing the competitive pressure (Statista).

Roster Implications

The Browns might consider keeping four quarterbacks on their active roster, although this is unusual. Typically, most teams carry only two quarterbacks on the 53-player roster and one on the practice squad. If the Browns opt for three quarterbacks, either Flacco or Pickett will likely start the season.