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Browns Reveal Joe Flacco's Role with QBs Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 9, 2025 3:04 PM ET

Back in January, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent surgery after re-rupturing a torn Achilles, which puts the team in a very tough spot to open the season on choosing who will be the Week 1 starter.

With the season still a good amount away, it's starting to shape up to be an interesting four-man race between veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as incoming rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

Considering Flacco is 40 years old and has seen a decent amount of success in his 17-year career, winning Super Bowl XLVII MVP, there's a strong belief he could be a mentor toward the rookies.

However, that idea was thoroughly shot down on Friday by general manager Andrew Berry during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan.

Berry was also asked about Joe Flacco’s role with the addition of rookie QBs Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

“Joe’s job also isn’t to bring along rookies. We have a very experienced and good coaching staff. That’s their job. Joe’s job is to compete and earn a role, just like… https://t.co/A7SXPh5ho3 pic.twitter.com/FCGcYj1zcG
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) May 9, 2025

"Joe’s job also isn’t to bring along rookies," Berry said. "We have a very experienced and good coaching staff. That’s their job. Joe’s job is to compete and earn a role, just like the others in the room.”

Of course, that kind of statement doesn't come as much of a surprise, because not only is he looking to grab the starting spot, but he's also fighting for a roster spot with both Gabriel and Sanders.

Somebody getting left behind is inevitable, considering teams usually only keep three quarterbacks on the roster, meaning that either Flacco, Pickett, or one of the rookies will likely be cut by the Browns.

In an article from A to Z Sports, Brandon Little predicts that Pickett will end up being the odd man out for the Browns, with Flacco, Gabriel and Sanders all securing a spot while Watson starts the season on the injured reserve.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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