Cleveland Browns Quarterback Depth Chart Heading into Week 1

As the Cleveland Browns prepare for their 2025 season opener, the quarterback position is drawing significant attention. With Deshaun Watson still recovering from an Achilles injury, the team has adjusted its quarterback lineup, resulting in a clear but evolving depth chart.

Starting Quarterback: Joe Flacco

Veteran Joe Flacco has been named the Browns’ starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco, a Super Bowl MVP, brings extensive experience and leadership to a position that has seen uncertainty in recent years. His familiarity with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s system and his rapport with teammates make him the QB1 as the season begins.

Backup Quarterbacks: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders

Behind Flacco, the Browns have two young quarterbacks competing for backup roles.

• Dillon Gabriel: Drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Gabriel has impressed during training camp and preseason. Known for his prolific college career, including setting NCAA records for career touchdown passes and total touchdowns responsible for, Gabriel has made a smooth transition to the NFL. He currently holds the primary backup role.

• Shedeur Sanders: The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur entered the NFL with high expectations. However, his preseason performance has been inconsistent, placing him behind Gabriel on the depth chart.

Recent Roster Moves

In a significant move, the Browns traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders. Pickett, who never appeared in a regular-season game for Cleveland, leaves the team with a clearer quarterback hierarchy and less competition for backup roles.

Depth Chart Summary

1. Joe Flacco – Starting Quarterback

2. Dillon Gabriel – Backup Quarterback

3. Shedeur Sanders – Third-String Quarterback

While the Browns’ quarterback depth chart could shift as the season progresses due to performance or injuries, the team enters Week 1 with a well-defined plan at the position.