After the NFL draft, the Browns have the most interesting QB room in the NFL but the depth chart has a lot to prove
Last year, the Cleveland Browns quarterback room was mostly non-descript to horrible. Deshaun Watson did not play well, Dorian Thompson-Robinson was clearly overmatched, Jameis Winston was exciting but highly turnover prone and Bailey Zappe even got to start a game.
Browns GM Andrew Berry went to work to remake the quarterback depth chart pretty distinctly this offseason, including trading DTR while letting Winston and Zappe walk in free agency. The trade for Kenny Pickett, involving Thompson-Robinson, got little fanfare while the re-signing of Joe Flacco set off a few fireworks.
Nothing like the drafting of Dillon Gabriel then Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL draft.
Now the Browns quarterback roster is almost completely remade:
- Joe Flacco – The aged veteran who struggled for years, had a great comeback story in Cleveland before struggling last year with the Indianapolis Colts
- Kenny Pickett – The 1st round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers three years ago whose small hands and struggle in the pocket awareness have him on his third team
- Deshaun Watson – Not only has Watson struggled since being acquired by the Browns but he’s torn his Achilles twice in a couple of months. Unlikely to be healthy in 2025
- Dillon Gabriel – Undersized but mobile, Gabriel was a surprise pick in the third round, but the Browns obviously valued him enough to select him there. Most expect him to be a career backup at best.
- Shedeur Sanders – His biggest on-field detractors saw him as a Day 2 pick with a chance to be good in the right situation. Cleveland’s system does fit him well and the lack of pressure could help him reach his potential
An interesting set of five quarterbacks on the Browns roster heading into the 2025 offseason program