Browns Anoint Joe Flacco as 2025 Starter, Shedeur Sanders' Future Uncertain

As the Cleveland Browns prepare for their final preseason game against the LA Rams this weekend, the team has made a surprising announcement regarding their quarterback situation for the 2025 season. On Monday, the Browns revealed that veteran Joe Flacco will be their starting QB1, a decision that has raised eyebrows around the league.

The move comes despite the team's high expectations for rookie Shedeur Sanders, who was initially projected as a top-three draft pick. However, Sanders ended up falling to the fourth round before being acquired by the Browns with the 144th overall pick. This decision was reportedly made against the wishes of some in the organization, with analyst John Middlekauf suggesting that team owner Jimmy Haslam pushed for Sanders' selection as a "publicity stunt."

Middlekauf also made an interesting prediction regarding Sanders' future, stating that the young quarterback is likely to start a game during the regular season, even before fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted 50 slots ahead of Sanders. This prediction has added to the growing sense of intrigue surrounding the Browns' quarterback depth chart.

Despite his impressive preseason debut, in which he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, Sanders' status remains uncertain due to an oblique injury that kept him out of last week's game. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has provided updates on Sanders' progress, indicating that the team will continue to monitor his recovery and availability for the final preseason matchup.