Starting Joe Flacco at QB has predictably gone terribly for the Cleveland Browns. The veteran QB was past his prime six teams ago, when the Ravens passed the reins over to Lamar Jackson.
But the Browns had hope, hope that maybe Flacco's veteran presence would be enough to lift a dormant offense. There are weapons at his disposal, but no serious franchise is starting Flacco in 2025.
After struggling again on Sunday in a loss to the Lions that dropped Cleveland to 1-3 on the season, it looks like the Browns are ready to make a change. Per Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Browns are likely turning to rookie Dillon Gabriel on Sunday against the Vikings:
The current belief is that the #Browns are going to make a change at quarterback and start rookie Dillon Gabriel this week vs. the Vikings, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/UKvkzazXWw
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 30, 2025
It was expected that Gabriel would get a shot at starting before Shedeur Sanders. He's been listed as the No. 2 QB on the depth chart all year, and the Browns drafted him two full rounds before they drafted Sanders.
The Browns need a spark for a lifeless offense. They are averaging just 14 points per game, which ranks 31st in the NFL. They have yet to score more than 17 points in a single game this season.
If Dillon Gabriel struggles, it should be Shedeur Sanders time in Cleveland
This was always going to be the first step for Shedeur Sanders to get an opportunity at the starting job in Cleveland. Gabriel is up first, but if he proves not to be the answer, then it could be Sanders' turn for the Browns.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski was non-committal when asked about Sanders serving as Gabriel's backup on Sunday if he does indeed back the expected change at QB. Whether or not he has Flacco as the backup, it would seem foolish to go back to the veteran if Gabriel falters.
You already know what you're going to get out of Flacco. He's going to play the position at well below league average. The Browns are not a playoff team with Flacco at QB. They probably aren't a playoff team with Gabriel or Sanders, either, but you have to find out what you have in the two rookies sooner rather than later.
Gabriel should get his chance on Sunday. Hopefully, Sanders will follow soon after.