Cleveland Browns choose Joe Flacco over Shedeur Sanders as starting QB
- Joe Flacco has been named as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
- Rookie Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel competed for the role but did not succeed.
- The decision has generated significant discussion and reactions on social media, with many anticipating Flacco's selection.
In August 2025, the Cleveland Browns finalized their decision on the starting quarterback for Week 1, choosing veteran Joe Flacco over rookie Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. This decision came after a series of preseason games and training camp evaluations. Flacco, who is entering his 18th NFL season, has experience in head coach Kevin Stefanski's offensive scheme, which played a crucial role in his selection. Despite some promising performances, particularly from Shedeur Sanders, who had two touchdowns in his first preseason game, injuries and competition from Flacco and Gabriel ultimately led to this decision. Flacco did not participate in the preseason games due to his established experience, allowing him to secure the starting position without needing validation in those matches. The Cleveland Browns are attempting to improve from a disappointing previous season and will start their new campaign against the Cincinnati Bengals. Social media reactions to the decision reflected a mixture of surprise and expectation, with many fans recognizing Flacco as the expected starter all along, while speculation continues regarding Sanders' future opportunities to play.