NFL Insider Says Odds Are Shedeur Sanders, Gabriel Won't be QB1 amid Browns Trade Buzz

Cleveland Browns fans hoping to see either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel open the 2025 season as the starting quarterback could be disappointed.

Per ESPN's Dan Graziano, the odds right now are that either Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett will be starting over the two rookies in Week 1 when the Browns host the Cincinnati Bengals.

It's not a surprise that head coach Kevin Stefanski could end up favoring one of the veterans, though he has been coy about who might start at this point.

Just as notable as who will be starting for the Browns when the regular season begins is which quarterback is going to be the odd-man out. There has been talk throughout the offseason that one of them could be dealt.

Graziano pointed out here has been speculation the team could trade one of their signal-callers by the end of the preseason because of the logjam at the position.

The potential problem with a trade is the Browns have invested a not-insignificant amount of draft capital in three of the players they might struggled to get back in return.

Pickett was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2025 fifth-round draft pick and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Gabriel was the No. 94 overall pick and Sanders was drafted at No. 144 overall.

Flacco would seem to be the least likely trade candidate because he's the type of established veteran teams want to have on the roster as a backup who can start if necessary.

If another team's starter sustains a significant injury in training camp or a preseason game, the Browns could have leverage to get a good return for one of their quarterbacks.

Even if the Browns decide to keep all four players, only two of them will likely be active on game days. There are a lot of mouths to feed and that's tough for any team, especially with two rookies who need a lot of reps to get ready for the rigors of the NFL.