What does Joe Flacco's Week 1 starting QB role mean for Shedeur Sanders and Cleveland Browns' quarterback future?
The Cleveland Browns made their quarterback decision official on Monday, handing the Week 1 starting job to 40-year-old Joe Flacco. The move brought immediate intrigue—not only because Flacco is 17 years older than Shedeur Sanders, but also because it reshapes the Browns' preseason quarterback competition.
While Kevin Stefanski's call settles the biggest storyline of training camp, it also sparks new questions about the future of the team's quarterback room.
Cleveland Browns turn to Joe Flacco as veteran leader
Joe Flacco, who went 4-1 with the Browns last season while guiding them to a playoff berth, now becomes just the 11th quarterback in NFL history to start a Week 1 game at age 40 or older. His consistency stood out in training camp, where he was the only quarterback to avoid time on the sidelines due to injury.
'Well, we all know how that works. I mean, that's everybody in the league, but it's not really my job to look at it in that way. It's just to go out there and play my game,' Flacco said. 'I felt like I was having a good camp with the reps that I was given, and that's all you can do.'
Stefanski praised the veteran's command and impact, noting that the decision went well beyond health. 'Joe performed really well, both in practice, in the joint practices, in the meeting room, you name it.
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What he's able to bring to the football team, he's earned that role,' the Browns head coach explained.
Shedeur Sanders and Browns' depth chart uncertainty
While Flacco's appointment solves one problem, it creates another: who will back him up? Kenny Pickett is still managing a hamstring strain but has resumed 11-on-11 reps. Dillon Gabriel, the 2025 third-round pick, continues to push for snaps. Meanwhile, Sanders—despite impressing with his professionalism since falling to the fifth round—remains limited with an oblique injury.
That leaves the Browns in a rare position. General manager Andrew Berry must soon decide whether to keep four quarterbacks, something that has only occurred five times since 2000, according to Sportradar.
Flacco and the first-team offense will see preseason action against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend, a dress rehearsal designed to simulate regular-season game planning. For now, the veteran holds the reins, but the pressure behind him is undeniable. Sanders, Pickett, and Gabriel may still shape Cleveland's quarterback narrative in 2025—and beyond.
Also Read:
Daniel Jones named Colts' starting QB as Shane Steichen dismisses 'quick leash' concerns for new season
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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