Cleveland Browns Finalize Quarterback Roster for Upcoming Season

The Cleveland Browns have completed significant adjustments to their quarterback lineup ahead of the regular season. Following a trade involving quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders and the release of Tyler Huntley, the team now enters the new season with three quarterbacks: starter Joe Flacco and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

On Tuesday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Gabriel, selected in the third round of the recent draft, will serve as Flacco’s backup. This decision follows the placement of former starting quarterback Deshaun Watson on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Watson is expected to miss the first four games of the season as he continues recovery from an Achilles injury that may sideline him for a significant part of the year.

Cleveland initially appeared ready to retain all four quarterbacks competing for the starting position. However, the trade of Pickett, who was exchanged for a fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft, shifted the team’s strategy.

Gabriel, who has spent the entirety of training camp positioned as the second-string quarterback, now finds himself in a crucial role behind Flacco. Meanwhile, Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick in 2025, has consistently occupied the fourth spot on the depth chart and is expected to be the team’s third-string quarterback.

The Browns’ decision reflects their commitment to developing young talent while navigating the challenges presented by Watson’s injury. With the regular season approaching, the team’s focus will be on fine-tuning their offensive strategies and ensuring that their quarterbacks are prepared for the demands of the upcoming games.

As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts will closely monitor how this reshaped roster impacts the Browns’ performance as they aim for success in the 2023 season.