The Cleveland Browns will start the 2025 NFL season against teams that reached the 2024 playoffs, kicking things off at home against the Cincinnati Bengals before a six‑game stretch that includes five opponents who also made the postseason last year. The Browns’ QB room features rookie passers Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, along with veteran Joe Flacco, who was named the starting quarterback for now.
Flacco’s presence isn’t surprising. He has been the leading candidate to start and has taken most of the first‑team reps this offseason. He also brings familiarity with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s system, a connection that dates back to 2023 when Flacco started five straight games for Cleveland, posting a 4–1 record and helping the team reach the playoffs. Stefanski praised Flacco for his consistent work ethic, leadership in the quarterback room, and steady preparation.
Cleveland faces a challenging schedule right out of the gate, beginning with the Bengals and then confronting a run of six games that will test any quarterback, especially the rookies, in a mix of veteran and playoff-caliber opponents. Flacco’s experience and leadership could help the unit navigate this tough start, even if it yields limited wins early.
At the same time, the Browns face a long-term decision at quarterback. Starting Flacco full‑time would be a short‑term fix that doesn’t address the bigger question: which quarterback, if either, could be Cleveland’s long‑term answer? Gabriel and Sanders, selected in the 2025 draft in the third and fifth rounds respectively, have shown promise in camp and preseason. Sanders threw two touchdowns in his preseason debut, while Gabriel led three scoring drives, albeit with some mistakes.
The Browns appear inclined to ease the rookie duo into regular-season action, while still evaluating whether either can develop into the franchise quarterback Cleveland seeks. The organization already holds two first‑round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, part of a nine‑selection slate, and the upcoming quarterback class is expected to be strong, featuring names such as Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Nico Iamaleava, Cade Klubnik, and LaNorris Sellers. That depth could position Cleveland to pivot quickly if a long‑term option emerges from the 2026 draft or from within its own roster.
In the meantime, Flacco’s steadiness provides a bridge as the Browns test the rookie quarterbacks’ readiness for primetime. If Gabriel or Sanders proves capable, Cleveland could turn the page sooner than expected; if not, the high draft capital in 2026 offers another clear path to upgrade at quarterback.
Additional notes and context:
– The Browns’ 2025 roster is centered on evaluating young signal‑callers while staying competitive in a difficult early schedule.
– The 2026 quarterback class looms as a potential game changer for Cleveland, giving the team significant flexibility in its long‑term plans.
– A positive takeaway is the early glimpse of the rookies’ potential and the surrounding veteran leadership, which could catalyze a smoother transition if either Gabriel or Sanders steps forward as a QB of the future.
Summary: Cleveland faces a pivotal year of development at quarterback, balancing a veteran bridge with a pair of promising rookies, while keeping a sharp eye on the 2026 QB landscape to guide the franchise’s next era. The outcome hinges on whether Gabriel or Sanders can emerge as a sustainable starter, complemented by a strong supporting cast and strategic use of the team’s draft capital.