Kevin Stefanski Says Joe Flacco & Shedeur Sanders Won’t Play Big Roles | NFL Wires

Kevin Stefanski Says Joe Flacco & Shedeur Sanders Won’t Play Big Roles | NFL Wires

Kevin Stefanski confirms Joe Flacco and rookie Shedeur Sanders won’t factor heavily in Browns' QB plans. NFL Wires breaks down what that means for Cleveland’s quarterback future.

Stefanski’s QB Plan: Experience Over Experimentation

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has made it clear: veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Shedeur Sanders are out of the running for major roles in the Browns’ upcoming season. According to insiders, Stefanski will soon inform both quarterbacks directly—signaling that the focus is on other options at the position. 

Why Flacco and Sanders Won’t Feature

Joe Flacco: Mentor, Not Starter

Flacco, the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year, was brought back to offer stability under center. He took the majority of first-team reps during offseason activities, but insiders now suggest the real competition lies between Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. Analyst T.J. Houshmandzadeh noted Flacco is “not part of the core QB race”.

Shedeur Sanders: Too Early for the Rookie

Despite showing promise—strong completion stats and high energy—Sanders hasn’t received first-team reps and remains firmly behind in the pecking order. Stefanski called him a "great kid", but emphasized that the team is still in a teaching phase, with limited offensive preparation underway. 

What’s Next for the Browns’ QB Room

With Flacco and Sanders sidelined, the clear front-runners are:

• Kenny Pickett: A veteran with familiarity in the Browns' camp.

• Dillon Gabriel: A third-round rookie who’s shown consistency.

• Deshaun Watson: Still rehabbing from Achilles surgery; return timeline unclear.

Stefanski’s message: give Pickett and Gabriel center-stage reps, and let Sanders continue to develop without spotlight pressure.

Analysis: Smart Strategy or Missed Potential?

Pros

• Clarity & Focus: Reducing the QB roster simplifies decision-making and builds momentum.

• Development Opportunity: Pushes Pickett and Gabriel to step up with clear responsibilities.

Cons

• Wasted Resources: Flacco signed for guidance could leave with no snaps.

• Rookie Risk: Sanders’ development may slow without meaningful reps.

But Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry seem to prioritize a strong, defined QB chain early—reducing uncertainty before training camp begins.

NFL Wires’ Take

At NFL Wires, we see Stefanski’s move as pragmatic. Clearing the QB room sharpens focus and accelerates progression. But sidelining young talent like Shedeur Sanders is risky—it may cost the Browns long-term upside. Success hinges on how well Pickett or Gabriel responds under pressure—and whether Sanders’ development can be preserved outside the spotlight.

Final Word: QB Future in Focus

Stefanski’s plan sets the stage for a decisive offseason: Pickett and Gabriel get the chance to prove themselves; Flacco transitions into a mentorship role; Sanders continues filling his developmental pipeline. The Browns are playing chess with their quarterback future—accepting short-term clarity while hoping it leads to long-term stability.

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