Joe Flacco starting the 2025 season is best for Cleveland Browns

Even though the last five seasons haven’t been rainbows and butterflies for the Cleveland Browns, we have at least have clarity on the quarterback situation. Baker Mayfield was the clear start for three of those years, and even though the Deshaun Watson era has gone terribly, we have at least known he was the guy heading into Week 1. 

Now we head into a season where the $230 million quarterback is injured for the season and it feels like that gives the team the best chance to win.  Andrew Berry has left no doubt bringing back the veteran Joe Flacco, trading for former first-rounder Kenny Pickett, and then drafting two quarterbacks in the 2025 draft.

You counted correctly, four quarterbacks currently on the roster with likely only three spots heading into the season.  And while Berry didn’t give up much for Pickett (Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick), there is a good chance that he is on the move again. 

Unless Berry is truly trying to tank the 2025 season for Arch Manning, there isn’t a shadow of doubt the Flacco should be the starting quarterback in Week 1.  You know exactly what you are getting.  A gunslinger who can make plays, but is going to turn the ball over.  One would argue, almost what you got with Jameis Winston. 

And while Flacco should be the starter, there is no way that this team won’t let Gabriel and Sanders attempt to develop and compete against each other.  There are people who don't love either QB, but Gabriel's skillset is similar to that of Baker Mayfield's, and Sanders' accuracy when not pressured immediately upon receiving the snap stands out on film.

Berry created the glut of quarterbacks on his roster, and decisions have to be made. Ideally, Flacco the starter.  He showed he can run this offense, and the rookies can fight to overtake his spot once out of playoff contention, which seems likely to be sooner rather than later.  Let's just hope one of the young guys can separate themselves throughout the season and we aren't playing this game again the 2026 offseason.