Cleveland Browns Quarterback Competition Not Wide Open?

Where Cleveland's Quarterback Competition Stands

Although Browns’ coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized throughout the OTAs and minicamp that reps would not mean much, all eyes were set on the number of snaps each quarterback was receiving. ESPN Cleveland tracked the combined quarterback stats through the open practice in which Gabriel completed 48 of 83 passes with eight touchdowns. 

Gabriel had the most passing attempts, followed by Pickett. Flacco is the projected starter for the 2025 season, but he attempted the fewest passes at 35. Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry spoke to Yahoo Sports, cautioning fans and the media that what is seen at practices may not be reality.

“Oftentimes, the thought in the NFL is like, ‘OK, well, your starter gets 70 percent of the reps, your backup gets 25 percent of the reps, and your third guy gets five percent of the reps, and the job of the backups is to be ready to play with no reps,” Berry said. “It doesn’t have to be that way - especially in the spring, when we have some flexibility because we’re not necessarily preparing for games.”

Taking what Berry said, the team focused on preparing the rookies, already with an understanding of what Flacco can do in the league. Flacco signed with the Browns in 2023, leading the team to the postseason. Though he spent the 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts, the Browns know what Flacco can do and chose to focus on the rookie quarterbacks.

As training camp proceeds and the preseason games occur, the snap count for each quarterback will then be something that can be read into more. During OTAs and minicamp, the Browns chose to test the rookie quarterbacks early so they are prepared for the season.

Dillon Gabriel’s Progression With Browns

Gabriel was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft, the first quarterback the Browns selected. Taking a quarterback on day two does show the team believes Gabriel is a strong quarterback, as he proved with Oregon.

In 2024, the Ducks had an undefeated regular season, led by Gabriel. The quarterback passed for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns, throwing just six interceptions. Even if the number of reps with the Browns in the past did not indicate information on the depth chart, Gabriel used his snaps to show Cleveland he can lead the team.

“You don’t ever really need to correct him twice,” Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees told Yahoo Sports. “He won’t make the same mistake.”

While Flacco is the projected starter, as Gabriel continues to show his skills during practices, he has a real possibility of starting this season, whether it is week one or later down the line.

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