The Cleveland Browns and head coach Kevin Stefanski have a tough decision to make as they head into the 2025 season – who will be their starting quarterback? With the possibility of acquiring Deshaun Watson aside, the situation becomes even more complicated. The Browns currently have four other quarterbacks on their roster, including seasoned veteran Joe Flacco. As the team navigates through OTAs, uncertainty looms for Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted rookie quarterback, as Stefanski makes a strong statement about another quarterback on the roster – Kenny Pickett.
After a successful 2024 season, where the Browns made it to the divisional round of the playoffs, expectations are high for the team. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the Browns are poised to make another run for the Super Bowl. However, the quarterback position remains a question mark, and it is a decision that could make or break their season.
One of the options for the Browns is to acquire Deshaun Watson, the star quarterback who has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. While Watson’s talent on the field is undeniable, his off-field issues raise concerns for the Browns organization. It is a difficult decision for Stefanski and the team’s front office, as they must weigh the potential risks and consequences of bringing in Watson.
But even if the Browns decide to pursue Watson, they still have a tough call to make regarding their current roster of quarterbacks. Joe Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. He has proven himself as a reliable backup quarterback and could potentially step in if needed. However, at 40 years old, his age may become a factor in the decision-making process.
Another option for the Browns is to stick with their current quarterback, Baker Mayfield. The former number one overall pick has shown flashes of brilliance in his time with the team, but he has also faced criticism for his inconsistency. Mayfield’s performance in the 2024 season was solid, but it remains to be seen if he can take the team to the next level. The Browns will have to evaluate Mayfield’s progress and determine if he is the long-term solution for the team.
But amidst all the uncertainty, Kevin Stefanski has made a strong statement about rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. The Browns traded up to draft Pickett in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, and Stefanski has been impressed with his performance in OTAs. Pickett has shown great poise and accuracy, and his understanding of the playbook has been impressive. Stefanski’s praise for Pickett has sparked speculation that he could potentially be the starting quarterback for the Browns in the upcoming season.
This puts Shedeur Sanders in a challenging position. The highly-touted rookie quarterback was drafted in the second round of the 2025 draft, and many believed he would be the future of the Browns’ quarterback position. However, with Stefanski’s praise for Pickett, Sanders may have to compete for the starting spot, or even a spot on the roster. It is a tough situation for Sanders, but it also speaks to the depth and talent of the Browns’ quarterback room.
As the Browns navigate through OTAs and head into training camp, the quarterback position will be closely monitored. Stefanski and the team’s front office have a tough decision to make, but it is a decision that will ultimately shape the team’s future. Whether they stick with their current roster, pursue Deshaun Watson, or give the rookie quarterbacks a chance, the Browns have a talented group of quarterbacks to choose from.
In the end, the Browns’ ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl, and the quarterback position is crucial in achieving that goal. The pressure is on for Stefanski and the team’s front office to make the right decision, but with a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the Browns are in a good position to succeed. As for Shedeur Sanders, he may have to wait for his chance to shine, but with his talent and determination, he could be the future of the Browns’ quarterback position. The future looks bright for the Cleveland Browns, and it all starts with the tough decision of who will be their starting quarterback in the 2025 season.