The Cleveland Browns have five quarterbacks under contract this spring, and that is at least one too many for a 53-man roster. General manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski insist competition is healthy, yet league insiders believe the front office is quietly gauging trade value for every passer not named Deshaun Watson, who is rehabbing a second Achilles surgery and may not suit up at all in 2025.

Why the Browns Are Listening

Carrying five quarterbacks means fewer practice reps for everyone and less room at other positions. Cleveland also needs mid-round picks to replenish depth after an aggressive free-agency run. Trading a signal-caller now—or before the October deadline—could recoup draft capital or bring a proven player at a thinner spot on the roster, such as offensive line or cornerback.

The Veterans on the Block

Joe Flacco (40)

Flacco re-signed on a friendly one-year deal after a surprise playoff push with Indianapolis, so his contract is easy for a rival to take on. His recent form suggests he can still be a steady bridge starter, especially for a contender that suffers an early-season injury. NBC Sports analysts called Flacco “the safer veteran” and hinted he could fetch a mid-day-three pick if the Browns decide to clear snaps for their rookies.

Kenny Pickett (27)

Berry traded a conditional fifth-rounder to Philadelphia for Pickett in March, betting the former first-rounder just needed a fresh start. Two months later, Pickett finds himself buried in another crowded room. Sports Illustrated notes that evaluators inside and outside the building see him as the “odd man out” if Cleveland keeps both rookies. His first-round pedigree still makes him attractive to quarterback-needy teams, but the Browns will want at least the fifth-rounder back to avoid the optics of a loss.

The Rookies Drawing Interest

Dillon Gabriel (22)

Taken in the third round out of Oregon, Gabriel has impressed with quick reads and a “tight spiral,” according to long-time Browns reporter Tony Grossi. His compact release and calm pocket feel make him the early favorite among the youngsters. Because third-round picks carry inexpensive four-year deals, several rebuilders could view Gabriel as a long-term investment. Cleveland, though, might hesitate to move him unless the offer climbs to a second- or early-third-round selection.

Shedeur Sanders (23)

The son of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders slid to Round 5 after a season in which he threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns at Colorado. Sanders’ upside is obvious—mobility, arm talent, and star power—and those qualities create buzz even with his modest draft slot. He also brings marketing eyes, something smaller-market clubs crave. But his tendency to hold the ball (42 sacks in 2024) is real, and Cleveland coaches want to see if pro coaching can speed up his clock. Unless a club overwhelms them with an early-day-two pick, the Browns probably prefer to develop Sanders in-house.

Possible Trade Partners

1. Las Vegas Raiders – New head coach Antonio Pierce has yet to name a clear starter after Aidan O’Connell’s uneven rookie year. Vegas owns an extra third-rounder from last year’s draft maneuvers and could gamble on Gabriel’s polish or Pickett’s pedigree.
2. New York Giants – Daniel Jones’ recovery from an ACL tear is dragging, and backup Drew Lock has never stuck as a full-time starter. A low-cost flyer on Flacco or Sanders would raise the floor without giving up premium capital.
3. Atlanta Falcons – Kirk Cousins is 37 and returning from Achilles surgery of his own. Atlanta has playoff talent everywhere else and might swap a late-pick sweetener for Flacco as early-season insurance.
4. Denver Broncos – Sean Payton still lacks a developmental passer tailored to his scheme. Sanders’ arm strength and off-schedule flair resemble the traits Payton admired in Drew Brees, minus the height. Denver holds two fourth-rounders in 2026, which could tempt Cleveland.

Timing and Leverage

Berry’s best window to deal a quarterback is during training camp, when injuries elsewhere force rival clubs into the market. Moving too early risks underselling, but waiting past September squeezes practice reps and creates frustration in the room. The Browns may also wait to see preseason game film; a strong August showing from Gabriel or Sanders could spike trade value overnight.

What Cleveland Wants in Return

Reports around the league suggest the Browns prefer future picks over veteran rentals. Additional selections in the 2026 draft would pair with their current youth movement on defense. Still, if an instant-impact lineman or slot corner becomes available, Berry will listen. The Browns view themselves as win-now in a loaded AFC North; any trade must help both the present and future.

The Risk of Moving a Rookie Too Soon

Trading a rookie before his first regular-season snap is bold. Sanders and Gabriel cost the team just two draft picks and modest signing bonuses; keeping both for a season is inexpensive insurance against Watson setbacks. Yet hoarding passers can backfire if roster spots vanish for other contributors. The Browns remember shipping out Jacoby Brissett in 2023, only to scramble for help when injuries struck. Balance is key.

Outlook

Browns fans should brace for rumors all summer. One veteran almost certainly goes, and a blockbuster involving a rookie is on the table if another franchise blinks first. Until a move happens, expect Stefanski to split practice periods evenly, pushing every passer to show he belongs. It is a tricky puzzle, but the payoff—extra draft ammunition or a stronger supporting cast—could push Cleveland closer to January football.

In short, Cleveland is not desperate, but it is curious. Whether the final choice involves Flacco’s experience, Pickett’s pedigree, Gabriel’s poise, or Sanders’ upside, the Browns hold the cards and the clock. The rest of the league will be watching every snap of orange-helmet practice tape, ready to dial Berry’s phone the moment their own depth chart wobbles.