Separating truth from fiction in the Browns’ long-range quarterback plan

Editor's note: Tony Grossi is an analyst of the Cleveland Browns for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.

Takeaways from the craziness of a perceived four-man quarterback competition …

1. When Kevin Stefanski said during draft weekend, “I think all of our players are competing for starting jobs,” it was misconstrued to mean all four quarterbacks are in an “open competition” for the starting job. Stefanski actually made the comment the day before Shedeur Sanders was drafted in the fifth round. The next day, after Sanders was selected, GM Andrew Berry said, “We expect every player to compete. Simple as that.” Yes, they will all compete. For a roster spot. For their spot in the quarterback room. For a role. But it’s ridiculous to pretend there is a four-man competition for the starting job. Ain’t happening.

2. The Browns will not announce it this way, but I think there will be two quarterback competitions in training camp. There is Joe Flacco v. Kenny Pickett for No. 1, and Dillon Gabriel v. Shedeur Sanders for No. 3. This is the only logical way to divide it. It would be different if Gabriel or Sanders were drafted in the first or second rounds. But they were not. The Browns did not consider either of them as legit candidates to lead the team in 2025, or else they’d have been selected higher than 94^th overall (Gabriel) and 144^th overall (Sanders) pick. It’s more realistic to regard Gabriel and Sanders as immediate backups than legitimate candidates to begin the 2025 season as the starting quarterback. I mean, have you seen the Browns’ early schedule? Home v. Cincinnati, at Baltimore, home v. Green Bay, at Detroit, v. Minnesota in London, at Pittsburgh. Get serious. Throwing either Gabriel or Sanders into a “baptism by fire” situation in that six-game gauntlet is ludicrous. Ask the locker room.

3. What about a Russell Wilson situation? In 2012, the Seahawks selected Wilson in the third round. Few regarded Wilson as a legit contender to start because Seattle seemingly had cast its lot with Matt Flynn, a Packers-castoff free agent who was signed to a then-lucrative contract of $20.5 million over three years. Flynn tossed six TDs in his last Packers game to become “the next big thing.” But early in training camp, Wilson easily beat out Flynn and the rest is history – a phenomenal Wilson run with Seattle. Can that happen with one of the Browns’ rookies? Actually, Gabriel has some parallels to Wilson – diminutive size, third-round pick, ultra-productive college career at multiple destinations. One difference in this scenario is that Flacco is no Matt Flynn. I mean, Flacco is a Super Bowl MVP who led the Browns to the playoffs in an unforgettable four-game stretch – “off the couch” -- in 2023. Further, Berry thinks Pickett can play. So, the similarities end with the Gabriel v. Wilson comparisons. There is no Matt Flynn in camp.

4. This is not to say that Gabriel or Sanders could not defy the odds and legitimately win the starting job in training camp. I just don’t think even the Browns believe that can happen.

5. I think it’s increasingly possible that all four QBs survive the 53 roster cut. First off, practice squad rosters will be 16 in 2025. Ten spots are reserved for rookies and second-year players. The remaining spots can be veterans. If the Browns are short-changed at one or more positions on their 53 roster by keeping a fourth QB, they can stock up at those positions on their practice squad. The NFL trade deadline this year is November 5. If a team comes calling for a quarterback, the Browns can increase his trade value by waiting until the deadline. Berry needn’t be compelled to move a quarterback at the 53 roster cut.

6. One must step back and view the Browns’ QB situation from 30,000 feet above ground to understand the grand plan. DeShaun Watson is costing the Browns $46 million in cash and about $36 million in cap charge in 2025. He will spend the season on an injury designation and will not be active. In 2026, Watson’s cap charge soars to $80+ million. That can be reduced through a fifth salary-to-bonus conversion. I have speculated the Browns would follow an exit strategy set forth by Spotrac founder Michael Ginnitti, who called for a post-June 1 release of Watson in March of 2026. The Browns would gain some $40 million in cap relief in 2026 as the result of an insurance policy purchased on Watson’s 2025 salary. Watson would receive his final $46 million in cash. The Watson dead cap charges, as a result of re-doing his contract five times, ultimately would be about $89 million in 2027. So that’s when the Browns must have their “franchise quarterback” on the field, with his minimal rookie contract, and also when Dillon and/or Sanders probably would be the backups, also under minimal rookie contracts.

6. As to the “franchise quarterback” …  if not Gabriel or Sanders, then whom? That’s what the 2026 draft is about. That’s what the trade of Travis Hunter for Jacksonville’s first-round pick was about. At the NFL annual meeting in late March, owner Jimmy Haslam said, “I think the message is if the right [quarterback’s] there, we're going to take him. If not, we'll figure it out for a year or two until we get the right person.” Believe him. The 2026 draft is quarterback-loaded, with or without Texas’ Arch Manning coming out.

7. So, if the Browns believe their “franchise quarterback” more likely exists in the 2026 draft, then what is 2025 all about? It’s not about tanking. It’s about developing every position group on the team so that when the future “franchise quarterback” is acquired, he will join a strong team capable of supporting a rookie quarterback and allowing him to take it to the next level. At least there is a plan. It makes sense.