Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that the team’s signing of Joe Flacco won’t impact their plans for the quarterback position in next week’s draft, per The Athletic’s Zac Jackson.
Cleveland has done their homework on several top QB prospects, including Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, and Louisville’s Tyler Shough.
When asked specifically about Sanders, Berry said (via Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot) that “all options are on the table.” He went on to say that the team is focused on finding a “long-term” quarterback and isn’t necessarily looking for a 2025 starter in the draft, according to Jackson.
At the moment, though, the Browns seem more likely to take Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 2 pick. Their second-rounder (No. 34 overall) could then be used to acquire a quarterback, potentially via a trade up into the end of the first round.
Using the second overall pick on a quarterback would put pressure on that player to start right away in Cleveland. A late first- or early second-rounder could still compete for a starting job as a rookie, but he could also sit behind Flacco and Kenny Pickett to aid his development. Neither veteran, however, projects as a clear starter for the 2025 season.
“I don’t think there’s any expectation of exactly who’s going to be the starting quarterback,” said Flacco (via NFL.com’s Kevin Patra). The former Raven hasn’t earned a starting job out of training camp since his 2019 stint with the Broncos. He was, however, the go-to QB2 for the Jets, Browns, and Colts over the last three seasons with 15 total starts. Flacco did receive interest from Baltimore about returning as a backup to Lamar Jackson, per Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun, but opted to sign in Cleveland due to the potential of a starting opportunity. The Ravens ended up with Cooper Rush as Jackson’s backup.
Pickett has openly expressed his desire to start for the Browns in 2025, though his previous starting experience in Pittsburgh left much to be desired.
“That’s the plan, man. I’m not going there to hang out,” said Pickett (via TribLive’s Jerry DiPaola). “I want to go play. I’m excited, been working hard for it, taking it a day at a time.”