sports and game - In an unprecedented move that challenges conventional NFL roster construction, the Cleveland Browns are poised to enter the 2025 season with four quarterbacks on their active roster. General Manager A...
ndrew Berry's recent comments to NFL Network during the Browns' preseason finale victory over the Los Angeles Rams suggest this unusual strategy is more than just speculation.
The quarterback room consists of veteran Joe Flacco, who has been named the Week 1 starter, former Steeler Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. This decision comes as Deshaun Watson continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury, expected to begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Berry's perspective on this unconventional approach reflects a modern understanding of NFL roster flexibility. 'We've largely looked at the last five spots of a roster as more developmental spots,' Berry explained, highlighting how current NFL rules allowing practice squad elevations provide greater roster management flexibility than in previous eras.
The preseason finale offered glimpses of what each quarterback brings to the table. Flacco demonstrated veteran poise, completing 9 of 10 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown in limited action. Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel showed promise with 129 yards and a touchdown on 12-of-19 passing, while fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders saw action in the second half, going 3-for-6 for 14 yards.
This strategy represents a significant investment in the quarterback position, particularly as teams typically carry only two or three quarterbacks on their active roster. The approach could provide the Browns with unprecedented depth and development opportunities, though it may limit flexibility at other positions.
The decision is particularly noteworthy given the current state of the NFL, where quarterback injuries have increasingly impacted team success. The Browns' strategy could serve as a potential model for other teams looking to protect themselves against quarterback uncertainty.
The quarterback room consists of veteran Joe Flacco, who has been named the Week 1 starter, former Steeler Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. This decision comes as Deshaun Watson continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury, expected to begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Berry's perspective on this unconventional approach reflects a modern understanding of NFL roster flexibility. 'We've largely looked at the last five spots of a roster as more developmental spots,' Berry explained, highlighting how current NFL rules allowing practice squad elevations provide greater roster management flexibility than in previous eras.
The preseason finale offered glimpses of what each quarterback brings to the table. Flacco demonstrated veteran poise, completing 9 of 10 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown in limited action. Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel showed promise with 129 yards and a touchdown on 12-of-19 passing, while fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders saw action in the second half, going 3-for-6 for 14 yards.
This strategy represents a significant investment in the quarterback position, particularly as teams typically carry only two or three quarterbacks on their active roster. The approach could provide the Browns with unprecedented depth and development opportunities, though it may limit flexibility at other positions.
The decision is particularly noteworthy given the current state of the NFL, where quarterback injuries have increasingly impacted team success. The Browns' strategy could serve as a potential model for other teams looking to protect themselves against quarterback uncertainty.