The Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback competition is likely ending in Joe Flacco being named QB1 in Berea.
Still, as the Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer relays, Shedeur Sanders is being given a legitimate chance to overtake Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett on the Browns’ depth chart during training camp and the preseason.
“Sanders got extended action in Carolina, trying to secure the key top rookie reserve role behind Joe Flacco ahead of third-rounder Dillon Gabriel. He took full advantage (14-of-23, 138 yards, 2 TDs, 106.8 rating) through multiple scoring drives and also ran well (4 carries, 19 yards) when needed,” Iyer wrote.
“Contrary to popular belief, the Browns are giving Sanders every good opportunity through camp and preseason to move up the depth chart while Flacco prepares to be the needed Week 1 bridge starter. The intense competition keeps pushing Sanders in the right direction.”
Kevin Stefanski has one of the toughest jobs in the world right now.
His owner, Jimmy Haslam, loved Gabriel so much that he would’ve been picked with their top selection had he been over six feet tall. Meanwhile, his GM, Andrew Berry, went against Haslam and took Sanders, who may be better than Haslam’s top choice.
This is all without mentioning Kenny Pickett, who was supposed to be trade bait but may end up getting released after an untimely hamstring injury robbed him of a preseason instead. Pickett has not separated himself from a 40-year-old Flacco and is on his third team in as many seasons.
Stefanski’s choice at QB1 seems clear. What the rest of his depth chart looks like will define the remainder of Cleveland’s preseason.