The Browns Are Adding A 4th Quarterback To The Roster

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 4:27 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns already had three quarterbacks on their roster in Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. However, that didn't stop the front office from adding more insurance this Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the Browns agreed to trade Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick. The coaching staff then named Gabriel the primary backup to Flacco. He earned the No. 2 spot on the depth chart by playing well in the preseason, completing 67.6% of his pass attempts for 272 yards with one touchdown and an interception.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked Tuesday why Gabriel got the nod over Sanders for QB2. His response was pretty interesting.

“It’s such an all-encompassing evaluation,” Stefanski told reporters. “Everything the guys did in the games was important. We also saw a lot of them out here in practice and how they are at their craft and (Gabriel) is certainly somebody that we think is getting better and better.”

Roughly 24 hours after the Browns sorted out their depth chart, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network announced that Bailey Zappe is joining Cleveland's quarterback room. He'll be on the team's practice squad.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Bailey Zappe #2 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Browns have history with Zappe.

Zappe, a former fourth-round pick from Western Kentucky, appeared in one games for the Browns last season. He completed 16-of-31 pass attempts for 170 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Overall, Zappe has 2,223 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions since entering the NFL in 2022.

What does this signing mean for Shedeur?

Sanders is still set to be the emergency quarterback for the Browns in Week 1. He'll only be available if Flacco and Gabriel get hurt. The fifth-round pick from Colorado completed 58.6% of his passes in the preseason for 152 yards with two touchdowns.

If anything, Zappe will just give the Browns a bit more depth at the most important position in football.

The Browns will begin their 2025 season on Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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