The Cleveland Browns might just have the wildest quarterback room in the NFL right now. With Deshaun Watson set to miss the entire 2025 season, Kenny Pickett considers himself nothing but a starter. “I do view myself as a starter,” Pickett said after being traded to Cleveland in March this year. “…I’m just excited to be here and compete with whoever.” However, as soon as the Browns went on to draft two of the most sought-after QBs, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, the QB debate became more about Gabriel vs Sanders, despite Joe Flacco, an ex-Brown, making his return to the Cleveland QB room this offseason. Now, while HC Stefanski also believes that “Pickett is the guy,” the Cleveland locker room seems to have decided on their signal caller.

“I also know that a healthy quarterback room is important, and being able to compete day in and day out is naturally what happens and part of what we do. But I look forward to whatever I walk into and being able to get around the guys…,” Gabriel admitted the competition in Cleveland after his draft. Now, on one side, Gabriel sounds ready to grow, learn, and embrace this new chapter in Cleveland; on the flip side, Shedeur Sanders wants to “prove all the people who passed on him wrong.” Amid all the speculation of Browns QB1 for the 2025 season, it’s Flacco who may win the race.

As per John Breech of CBS, “head coach Kevin Stefanski will go with the steady Flacco to begin the season, and Pickett will likely be cut or ask for a release when he doesn’t win the starting job.” But what about the Browns’ locker room? Well, to everyone’s surprise, three Browns players have shown their love for Sanders, but no words on Dillon Gabriel yet. For instance, during a new podcast show, cornerback Greg Newsome II was asked to name his favorite player of the draft. To which he said, “My favorite player in this draft, it’s hard. Like obviously Travis (Hunter) …. (but) just in general, I like Shedeur (Sanders).”

Explaining the reason behind it, the 24-year-old said, “The reason why I say that in general is because of the swagger, though. Like, I just like a quarterback that just got that. I don’t know. It’s just that it factors man like when you come in again as a quarterback, if you come in there with that confidence and swagger and talking…..That’s my type of guy.” No doubt, Newsome kept it real when talking about Shedeur Sanders.

Of course, he gave Cam Ward his flowers, but when it comes to personality, Shedeur stands out for him. According to the CB, what’s big on quarterbacks is who brings energy and confidence. Giving an example for this, the athlete also threw it back to his rookie year with Big Ben, saying even Ben Roethlisberger used to talk wild to him, but he respected it. That boldness, that edge – he sees that same fire in Sanders. And honestly, that’s why Coach Prime’s son is his favorite. Just off personality alone and everything he brings to the table. Not only him!

Even David Njoku gave a shout-out to Sanders, welcoming him to the Browns with an emotional message. Amidst the NFL Draft’s controversy, the tight end came to his support. He said, “Let ’em all hate fam u know what u got in u!!” on his official Instagram story. In addition, Denzel Ward also didn’t shy away from expressing his love for Sanders.

The CB dropped a tweet on his official X account and wrote: “@ShedeurSanders Time to Be Legendary! Let’s do it!” All this clearly shows how the Browns’ locker room is excited for ex-Colorado QB, and wants him to start the season over Gabriel. But will this be possible with veteran Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett on the roster?

Joe Flacco’s exit to pave the way for Shedeur Sanders?

The Browns have decided to pass on the $22 million option for Kenny Pickett. This means he just has 2025 to prove himself. But given the current competition in the QB role, especially from the rookies, his chance to earn his next contract won’t be easy. And if he sits on the bench, then he should forget about another wallet from the franchise. On the other hand, Joe Flacco might get the chance as a starter, guiding the new players. But what about his retirement rumors?

Well, as per new reports, Joe Flacco isn’t slowing down; he’s leaning in. At 40, with a career that’s bounced him from team to team, he’s still showing up ready to compete. People ask why he’s still playing. His answer is clear: Because he wants to. He’s made that choice, and he’s sticking with it, having no regrets. And now, back in Cleveland, he’s not just the starter. He’s also the mentor for two young quarterbacks – Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Of course, that’s no small task.

But Flacco’s been preparing for this, not just physically with the same trainer for 15 years, but mentally too. For him, it’s about staying sharp, staying connected, and finding joy in the daily grind. So, Browns may also give him one chance to prove in 2025 and be a guiding light to Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. And when he walks off from the team or the league, any of these young players could step up to fill in the void.