What Are the Browns Doing With Six QBs?
By Shawn Gates | NILvana Sports
The Cleveland Browns currently have six quarterbacks on their roster, and no clear direction.
At a glance, it’s hard to tell whether this team is rebuilding or attempting to contend. Carrying six signal-callers is unusual, especially when none of them, as it stands, is a clear-cut Super Bowl-caliber talent. If the Browns are rebuilding, it may be time to consider trading away franchise pieces like Myles Garrett and trimming the quarterback room. They must consolidate and go all in on a true contender under center if they’re trying to make a run.
Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco is currently listed as the Browns’ starting quarterback. A 19-year NFL veteran and former Super Bowl MVP, Flacco played surprisingly well last season, completing 65 percent of his passes for 1,700 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He’s steady and experienced, but at 40 years old, the question isn’t whether he can lead a team, but for how much longer. Is this a bridge season or one last push with a veteran presence?
Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett enters his fourth year as the projected backup. Once seen as a rising starter in Pittsburgh, Pickett now faces a reset in Cleveland. His career completion rate sits at 59.5 percent, and last season, he threw for just 291 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one interception before being sidelined. He’s shown flashes of potential, but there hasn’t been enough consistency to suggest he’s the future.
The Rookie Wildcards
Cleveland drafted two intriguing rookies this offseason: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Gabriel is a known leader with a reputation for toughness and poise on big stages. However, his lack of ideal size and reliance on a system-based offense in college raise questions about his long-term ceiling in the NFL.
Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, brings charisma, competitiveness, and an elite pedigree. He’s played in the national spotlight and carries himself with confidence. But that confidence can border on cockiness, and his decision-making under pressure remains a concern. Both rookies have upside but will need time and reps to develop.
Tyler Huntley
Recently signed Tyler Huntley brings experience as a solid backup. Last season, he completed 65 percent of his passes for 829 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. He’s never dazzled statistically, but he has shown he can step in and manage an NFL offense when called upon.
The Wild Card
Deshaun Watson remains on the injured reserve list. When healthy and not distracted by off-the-field issues, Watson has the talent to be an elite quarterback. The Browns paid a steep price to acquire him, and his status looms over the entire quarterback room. If he returns to form, the Browns could quickly shift from pretenders to playoff contenders. But that is a big “if.”
So What’s the Plan?
Six quarterbacks. No clear direction.
The Browns seem stuck between two competing identities. One foot in the future, the other in win-now mode. The quarterback room is bloated, and the depth, while intriguing, only muddies the waters. It’s time for Cleveland to decide who they are and make moves accordingly.
Either build around a future star or go all in on a proven winner. But doing both at once rarely works in the NFL.
Comments
2 responses
Shawn! This is so well written!
Impressive! 😃
Great coverage. You should do one on the cowboys direction.