ESPN Analyst Predicts Stunning Twist in Cleveland Browns QB Battle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated May 16, 2025 10:53 AM ET

Heading into training camp and preseason action, the Cleveland Browns will hold a major quarterback competition. At this point, the team has five quarterbacks on the roster.

During the 2025 NFL draft, the Browns added both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. They didn't expect to take two quarterbacks, but they couldn't pass up on the opportunity.

Those two rookies are joined by Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Deshaun Watson in the Cleveland quarterback room. Watson isn't likely to start again for the Browns, but the other four players will be battling for playing time and the right to be the Week 1 starter.

Many have viewed Flacco as the likely Week 1 starter. However, a new hint from ESPN goes against that line of thought.

ESPN's Mike Clay revealed his expected projections for each team in the NFL. When it came to Cleveland, he doesn't have Flacco listed at all.

That suggests Flacco won't be on the roster — a development that would shock many given Flacco's success in his previous run with the Browns (1,923 yards passing, 14 touchdowns in six games, including the playoffs) and his 191 NFL starts.

Clay has Pickett playing the most, with Gabriel and Sanders also getting a decent amount of playing time

In his projections, Clay has Pickett playing in eight games. Pickett was predicted to throw for 1,838 yards, eight touchdowns, and six interceptions.

Gabriel was projected to play in five games, racking up 1,205 passing yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions. Sanders was projected at four games played, 925 passing yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions.

Flacco could be an intriguing trade candidate before the regular season. If the other three quarterbacks on the roster impress the Browns, the veteran could be moved for draft capital.

While these are just projections, it's worth taking note of the hint. Perhaps the young guns in Cleveland will force the 40-year-old signal caller out of town and give the Browns a brighter outlook for the future.

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

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