CLEVELAND, OH – As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2025 NFL season, there’s one glaring storyline dominating training camp conversations: the quarterback room is overflowing with talent, tension, and unanswered questions. With franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson fully healthy for the first time in nearly two seasons and a surplus of depth behind him, the Browns now face an unusual challenge—too many options at the most important position in football.
Watson’s return is the focal point. After two injury-riddled years and a mountain of controversy, Watson enters the 2025 season with more to prove than ever. He’s healthy, he’s confident, and he’s got a chip on his shoulder. The team has invested too much guaranteed money to entertain the idea that he won’t start when the season opens. However, with his long absence, questions still linger about whether he can regain his Pro Bowl form.
Behind Watson is a trio of quarterbacks with starting experience—and strong cases to be more than just backups. Veteran Joe Flacco, who rejoined the team late last season and helped lead a surprising playoff run, became a fan favorite almost overnight. His leadership, poise, and big-game experience gave the Browns stability during Watson’s absence. In a handful of late-season starts, Flacco turned back the clock and tossed multiple touchdown passes in crucial moments, including a playoff-clinching win against the Bengals. Though he’s 40, Flacco insists he still has plenty left in the tank.
“I didn’t come back just to ride the bench,” Flacco said during minicamp. “I love this team, this city, and I feel like I can still win games.”
Then there’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the second-year player from UCLA who showed flashes of potential in his rookie campaign. DTR’s athleticism, quick release, and strong arm make him an intriguing developmental option. Coaches have praised his work ethic and command of the offense, noting significant improvement over the offseason.
“Dorian’s making big strides,” said offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. “He’s taken ownership of the playbook, and he’s pushing hard to prove he belongs.”
But perhaps the most buzz-worthy addition is rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Colorado star and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders brings swagger, social media popularity, and raw talent. Though viewed by many as a developmental prospect, Shedeur’s confidence and leadership have already made waves in the locker room. He’s been spotted staying after practice with receivers and volunteering at local community events—winning fans even before he’s thrown a professional pass.
“Shedeur’s already got a presence about him,” said Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. “He’s mature, he’s asking the right questions, and he’s not intimidated by the moment.”
That leaves Cleveland with four quarterbacks who, under different circumstances, might each have a real chance to start somewhere in the NFL. But in a league where most teams struggle to find one dependable QB, the Browns have four. It’s a rare position of strength, but it also creates serious complications—especially as roster cutdowns and salary cap realities loom.
“It’s a good problem to have,” Stefanski admitted, “but yeah, it’s a problem.”
The coaching staff and front office must soon make tough decisions. NFL teams typically carry only two or three quarterbacks on the active roster. That means at least one of these passers will likely be cut, traded, or stashed on the practice squad. The question is—who?
Deshaun Watson isn’t going anywhere. Barring a catastrophic preseason, he’ll start Week 1. The Browns have made it clear they’re committed to their $230 million man. The rest of the depth chart, however, remains in flux.
Flacco’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, particularly with quarterback-needy teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks reportedly exploring veteran options. Flacco has value, especially for a team in win-now mode. Yet trading him would also remove a steady veteran presence from Cleveland’s bench, something Stefanski may hesitate to do given Watson’s recent injury history.
Then there’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who may be the odd man out despite his upside. DTR lacks the resume of Flacco and the draft investment of Sanders. He could be traded for a late-round pick or released outright, though the team may try to keep him on the practice squad if possible.
Shedeur Sanders, meanwhile, isn’t going anywhere either. The Browns view him as a future starter, and his popularity—combined with clear potential—makes him almost untouchable. His rookie contract is team-friendly, and his upside is enormous if given time to develop.
But keeping all four quarterbacks long-term seems unlikely, even if the front office insists otherwise.
“It’s a long season,” said Browns general manager Andrew Berry. “We’re going to need all hands on deck at some point. We’ll make the right moves at the right time.”
There’s also the locker room dynamic to consider. Multiple sources within the organization have quietly noted that Watson’s return has created a leadership divide in the quarterback room. While Watson remains the undisputed starter, Flacco’s leadership during last season’s playoff push earned him serious locker room respect. DTR and Sanders have both gravitated toward Flacco during practices, creating what one staffer described as “a natural mentorship triangle.”
Meanwhile, Watson has kept a relatively low profile since returning to full health. He’s stayed focused on football, but his relationship with teammates—especially after such a long absence—remains a work in progress.
“There’s no tension,” one player said, “but there’s definitely a little awkwardness. Everyone’s just trying to figure it out.”
That “figuring out” phase won’t last long. The Browns open the preseason in just a few weeks, and all four quarterbacks are expected to see game action. Those snaps could determine the fate of Flacco, DTR, or even spark external trade interest. Multiple scouts have confirmed that the Browns have fielded preliminary calls about their backup QBs, especially Flacco and Thompson-Robinson.
Still, Stefanski remains optimistic.
“I like where we are,” he said. “We’ve got depth, we’ve got talent, and we’ve got competition. That’s the best kind of environment to build a winner.”
Fans, too, are divided. Some want to ride the Watson train and believe the franchise QB is poised for a comeback season. Others see Flacco as the more dependable option based on last year’s success. Meanwhile, the fanfare around Shedeur Sanders continues to grow, with many calling him the quarterback of the future—even if he’s still adjusting to the pro level.
For now, all four quarterbacks will compete, collaborate, and coexist as best they can. But the clock is ticking. The Browns have one of the most crowded quarterback rooms in the NFL—and eventually, something has to give.
Whether that means a surprise trade, a difficult cut, or a bold change in the pecking order, one thing is certain: the Browns’ quarterback drama is only just getting started. And in Cleveland, where quarterback instability has long been the norm, having too many capable arms is a new—and fascinating—problem.
