The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition has taken an unexpected turn, with an ESPN expert predicting Kenny Pickett as the Week 1 starter over rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Despite the hype surrounding Sanders, the franchise appears poised to rely on the former Steelers first-round pick to kick off the season.
Pickett, acquired via trade earlier this year, is seen as the most seasoned option among the contenders. While his NFL career so far has been underwhelming with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, his familiarity with pro-level offenses gives him an edge. His hamstring injury remains a concern, but if he performs well in camp, he could be Cleveland’s top choice.
Sanders, a fifth-round pick and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, entered the competition with high expectations after a strong college career. However, reports suggest he has been working with the second team, putting him behind Pickett and veteran Joe Flacco on the depth chart. Sanders’ potential to develop into a franchise quarterback might lead to opportunities later in the season.
Flacco, a 40-year-old former Super Bowl MVP, offers experience but has struggled to maintain consistency in recent years. His role may evolve into that of a mentor rather than a long-term solution. Gabriel, a third-round pick, also faces an uphill battle for meaningful reps during camp.
ESPN Analysis Predicts Kenny Pickett as Cleveland Browns’s Starting Quarterback
Pickett was projected to bag the starting quarterback job for Cleveland. This is detailed more in an analysis by Dan Graziano for ESPN.
Week 1 starter prediction: Pickett. I’m sure that’s not the most popular choice among the fan base, but as one league executive pointed out to me, he’s the one of these four the Browns tried the hardest to get. They acquired him in early March, knowing Watson was a long shot to play this season and before they knew whether they would bring back Flacco or select a single quarterback — let alone two — in the draft.
There was a time this offseason when Pickett — who now has a hamstring injury — was the only healthy quarterback on the roster. If he performs well enough in camp and in the preseason, don’t be surprised if he gets first crack at this thing, though I’d expect at least one of the rookies to start this season so the Browns can figure out what they have in them before taking two first-round picks into the 2026 draft.
Cleveland’s decision to prioritize Pickett in the preseason highlights a focus on reducing risk while evaluating its roster. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to injury, Cleveland must carefully manage its quarterback situation. Camp performance and preseason games will play a pivotal role in shaping the final decision.
As Week 1 approaches, Pickett’s experience could secure him the starting job, but Sanders remains a compelling prospect for the future. The Browns’ quarterback dynamics will continue to be a storyline worth watching.
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