Even more signs point to Browns choosing unique QB path

In late July, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry confirmed that quarterbacks Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel could all be on the active roster for the club's Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7. 

During the latest edition of "The Adam Schefter Podcast," the well-known ESPN NFL insider suggested Berry is serious about embracing that unique idea. 

"My thinking on this after talking to a bunch of people around the league has shifted," Schefter explained, as shared by Stephen Douglas of Sports Illustrated. "I actually now think the Browns are more likely than not to carry four quarterbacks on their final 53-man roster. Now hear me out. I think both rookie quarterbacks are on the Browns' final 53-man roster. Joe Flacco right now seems to be the man who is in the lead today, prior to the preseason games, for the Browns' starting quarterback job. Joe Flacco gets a job."

The Browns selected Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft before they took a flier on Sanders in the fifth round. Gabriel seemingly has endured rough moments during training-camp practices, and both he and Pickett have recently been slowed by hamstring issues. 

Per ESPN, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Wednesday that Sanders will start Cleveland's preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers on Friday. Sanders is fourth on the Browns' depth chart, while Flacco reportedly has a clear lead in the competition for the starting gig. 

As of late Wednesday morning, FanDuel Sportsbook had Flacco as a -265 betting favorite to start versus Cincinnati. 

Also on Wednesday, it was learned that a Super Bowl-winning QB is dealing with an injury that's far more alarming than the team has indicated. Schefter hinted that a team in need of a potential fill-in signal-caller could give Cleveland a call regarding Pickett's availability. Theoretically, a contender would be more eager to make a trade.

"Kenny Pickett is still young (27 years old)," Schefter continued during the segment. "Kenny Pickett is a former first-round draft pick (2022). Kenny Pickett is a quarterback. Teams that have a need at that position, if they suffer an injury, you would think that one of the first teams they would call is the Cleveland Browns. Quarterbacks in this league are currency."

It remains to be seen if the Rams will have any interest in Pickett before they finish the preseason with a matchup at none other than the Browns on Aug. 23.