Kevin Stefanski’s Update on Browns QB Room Raises Concerns After Naming Joe Flacco Starter

The Cleveland Browns have officially decided on their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, with head coach Kevin Stefanski naming veteran Joe Flacco as the starter.

While Flacco had been the favorite coming out of training camp, the decision now puts the spotlight on how Stefanski will manage the rest of the quarterback room as roster cuts approach. By August 26, teams must trim from 90 players down to 53, making the situation particularly challenging.

It’s rare for an NFL team to carry more than three quarterbacks on the active roster, meaning one of Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, or Shedeur Sanders could be the odd man out.

Kevin Stefanski Provides Update on Backup Situation

When asked recently about the possibility of keeping four quarterbacks, Stefanski didn’t rule it out but admitted it would be difficult. He noted that while he’d love to keep everyone, it's "not realistic."

“I think we’ll let it play out as we get closer to the cut down,” Stefanski replied. “Those are all conversations that we are always having, but those are tough decisions. You know, I’d like to keep everybody, but not realistic.”

The Browns could ultimately decide to keep four quarterbacks, releasing Tyler Huntley while placing Deshaun Watson on the PUP list. However, carrying four would take away depth from other key positions, which can prove crucial over the course of a season.

Another option would be to trade one of the three, with Kenny Pickett appearing to be the most likely candidate, while keeping the rookies behind Joe Flacco.

The Browns acquired Pickett earlier this offseason in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and draft compensation in return.

To this point, Flacco and Pickett remain the only quarterbacks yet to see preseason action, while both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel have already drawn impressive starts.

Either way, with roster cuts looming, Stefanski faces what may be his toughest early-season decision before hosting Cincinnati on Sept. 7.

Related: Deion Sanders Reacts to Shedeur Sanders’ Relationship with Joe Flacco

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.