Joe Flacco Named Browns’ Week 1 Starter: Veteran Edges Out Sanders, Gabriel & Pickett

Flacco Wins QB1 Role After Crowded Competition

On August 18, 2025, the Cleveland Browns officially named 40-year-old Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the NFL season against the Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco emerged atop a crowded competition that included rookies Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and veteran Kenny Pickett, as well as Tyler Huntley.

Experience and Stability Tipped the Scales

Despite not playing in the first two preseason games, Flacco dominated first-team reps throughout training camp, showing that his understanding of the Browns’ offense gives him a clear edge. His leadership and familiarity with coordinator Kevin Stefanski's system were key factors in his selection.

Flacco brings a robust resume: 191 regular-season starts, nearly 45,700 passing yards, 257 touchdown passes, and a Super Bowl MVP award.

Injuries Shifted the QB Toss-Up

Health setbacks derailed the plans of Flacco’s competition:

• Shedeur Sanders battled an oblique injury right when he was gaining traction.

• Dillon Gabriel was limited by a hamstring issue, missing key preseason reps.

• Kenny Pickett also struggled to showcase his potential during camp due to a hamstring strain.

• Tyler Huntley served as camp depth but was not a significant contender.

Depth Chart Snapshot

Here's how the Browns' QB depth chart shapes up heading into Week 1:

1. Joe Flacco

2. Kenny Pickett

3. Dillon Gabriel

4. Shedeur Sanderst

Coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that while Flacco is QB1, the team expects all quarterbacks to prepare as though they could play.

Looking Ahead: The Final Cutdown Looms

With final roster decisions due by August 26, Browns face tough choices:

• It's possible they’ll keep just three quarterbacks, making one of the rookies potentially expendable.

• The final preseason game on August 23 against the Rams will be the last audition for the depth chart.

The Big Picture

Opting for Joe Flacco highlights Cleveland's desire for proven stability and execution as the season begins, particularly in the absence of Deshaun Watson. While younger quarterbacks like Sanders and Gabriel hold potential, their injuries paved the way for this veteran-driven decision. The Browns are clearly prioritizing readiness and reliability over developmental upside—for now.