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The Cleveland Browns knew exactly what they were doing when they used two draft picks in 2025 on quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
But with Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett already in the room, the team's quarterback depth has become a focal point of speculation.
Gabriel, fresh off a stellar final season at Oregon where he threw for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns with a 72.9 percent completion rate, was selected in the third round.
Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, followed in the fifth. Now both rookies are making their case for the future of the franchise.
Trade rumors heat up as reps are split among quarterbacks
According to NBC Sports, there's growing belief that one of the veterans-either Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett-won't be on the roster when the regular season kicks off.
"I believe that either Kenny Pickett or Joe Flacco is not going to make it," one ist said. "The two draft picks, like you drafted them, you have to see what they can do...
"Flacco, just recently played with the Browns so he kind of got the edge there, but I don't think one of them makes it."
Flacco revived his career late in the 2023 season, helping lead the Browns to a playoff berth after ing midseason.
His steady hand and leadership were critical, but age and the team's desire to develop younger options could make him expendable.
Pickett, a former first-round pick by the Steelers, has struggled to cement himself as a starter and may still hold trade value.
If Cleveland receives a compelling offer, it could part ways with the 26-year-old, especially with two promising rookies waiting in the wings.
Gabriel gets early nod at minicamp, Sanders not far behind
At rookie minicamp, it was Gabriel who received the first reps over Sanders during day one of drills, per NFL reporter Kimberly Martin. The two split about three dozen reps in individual work, signaling a true open competition.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski cautioned against reading too much into early reps.
"I wouldn't look into anything. You'll see the whole weekend and going through the spring," Stefanski told reporters. "We don't pay too close attention to who's in there first."
Still, Gabriel's early nod and draft status suggest Cleveland sees real potential in the 6-foot quarterback, even amid chatter about his size.