Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Carousel Spins as Joe Flacco Takes the Helm Against Bengals
The Cleveland Browns have navigated a tumultuous offseason when it comes to their quarterback situation. The franchise has seen a flurry of activity, including signing veteran Joe Flacco, trading for Kenny Pickett from the Eagles, and then subsequently parting ways with him. The draft brought two new faces to the quarterback room: Dillon Gabriel, selected with the 94th pick, and Shedeur Sanders, chosen at 144. Adding to the mix, Tyler Huntley had a brief stint during the preseason, while Bailey Zappe now occupies a spot on the practice squad.
As the Browns prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Flacco has emerged as the starter. The journey to this point has been anything but straightforward, and fans are left eager to see how the rookie quarterbacks will fit into the team’s plans moving forward.
The Rookie Quarterbacks: A Closer Look
Among the young quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders stands out as the Browns’ third-string option heading into the season opener. While he may not see the field in the first game, or likely for most of the season unless injury strikes, the fact that he made the final roster is a positive sign amid speculation of potential cuts during the offseason.
Sanders faces a challenging path ahead as he works to carve out a role in a crowded quarterback room. His development will be closely monitored, especially given the uncertainty that often surrounds rookie quarterbacks.
Cleveland Browns’ QB Depth Chart
As it currently stands, the Browns’ quarterback depth chart features:
Joe Flacco
Dillon Gabriel
Shedeur Sanders
Bailey Zappe (practice squad)
Flacco, now 40 years old, is set to guide the offense against the Bengals. His immediate backup, Gabriel, was drafted just a day earlier than Sanders, marking an interesting dynamic between the two rookies. With Sanders likely classified as the emergency QB3, he would only see action should both Flacco and Gabriel be sidelined.
As the NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Browns’ quarterback situation develops. The team’s ability to manage this carousel could be pivotal to their success in a competitive division. The intrigue surrounding the rookies adds another layer of complexity as they await their opportunities in the weeks to come.
