Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Dilemma: Will Shedeur Sanders Shake Up the Depth Chart, or Will Joe Flacco Hold On?

As training camp approaches and the 2023 NFL season draws near, the Cleveland Browns are facing one of the most intriguing quarterback battles in recent memory. With an exciting mix of veteran presence, potential future stars, and a handful of unknowns, the Browns’ quarterback situation has become a hot topic of discussion both inside the organization and among fans.

One name that has recently emerged as a potential game-changer is Shedeur Sanders. After an underwhelming performance during the OTA sessions, many have raised eyebrows about his future with the Browns. Could Sanders, the highly-touted prospect, be used as trade bait to improve other areas of the team? Or will he surprise the coaching staff and cement himself as the future face of the Browns’ offense?

As the season inches closer, one thing is clear: Joe Flacco’s experience and calm demeanor are likely to give him the edge as the starting quarterback heading into training camp, but don’t discount the competition from the younger talent.

The Battle for the Starting Spot: Flacco’s Experience vs. Sanders’ Potential

Joe Flacco, the 13-year NFL veteran, comes into training camp with a wealth of experience under his belt, including a Super Bowl win and years of success with the Baltimore Ravens. Flacco’s credentials have made him the presumed starter, and there are few who would argue with that decision based on his ability to bring a sense of calm and leadership to the quarterback room.

According to Ryan Fitzpatrick, former NFL quarterback and analyst, Flacco’s steady hand and history with multiple teams make him the perfect choice for the Browns as they enter a potentially transitional year. “If I was a betting man, Joe Flacco is gonna go into the year as the starter,” Fitzpatrick said. “He has history there, he has success there, and I think it’s a great story. He’s a guy that’ll bring calm, he’s the guy that’s going to be able to get them off on the right foot.”

Flacco’s experience may give him the initial advantage, but Shedeur Sanders, the rising talent with a strong collegiate background, has the potential to push for a starting role. Though he hasn’t seen much action during OTA sessions, there’s still time for Sanders to prove himself. If he can step up during training camp and shine in the preseason games, he could easily become a strong contender for the starting role. But Sanders will have to do more than just impress the coaching staff—he’ll need to prove he can handle the pressure of being an NFL starter and handle the burden of leading an offense in one of the most demanding sports leagues in the world.

Is Sanders the Future? The 2026 Draft and the Manning Connection

While it may be tempting to focus on the current quarterback battle, it’s impossible to ignore the future of the position for the Browns. Shedeur Sanders, a high-potential player, may have a bright future ahead of him. However, there’s another prospect looming over the Browns’ quarterback situation: Arch Manning.

Arch Manning, the five-star recruit and grandson of NFL legends Archie and Eli Manning, has garnered immense attention as one of the most promising quarterbacks to come out of college football in years. His performance this season, especially in high-profile matchups like Week 1 against Ohio State, will go a long way in determining where he lands in next year’s NFL draft.

With a blend of size, athleticism, and a strong arm, Manning could be exactly what the Browns need in the future. If Manning lives up to the hype, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Browns make a serious push to land him in next year’s draft.

The Browns may end up taking a major swing to solidify their future at the position, with Manning potentially becoming the new face of the franchise. In fact, some insiders believe that the Browns could view Manning as the perfect successor to Flacco, either after a few seasons or in a future trade.

While Manning’s journey at the collegiate level will need to play out, it’s clear that his hype has already built a solid foundation for his future. If Manning succeeds in college football, the Browns could very well be in the running for one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the league.

The Future of the Browns’ Quarterback Position

With so many different quarterbacks vying for the top spot in Cleveland, the stakes have never been higher for the organization. Whether Flacco holds onto the role, Sanders breaks through as a star, or Manning becomes the future face of the team, the Browns’ quarterback decision will define their trajectory for years to come.

Cleveland has long been searching for stability at the quarterback position, and after the departure of Baker Mayfield, this decision is crucial. The team is trying to build a contender, and the right choice at quarterback could change everything.

How Will the Team Move Forward?

As the season draws nearer, Cleveland Browns fans are left wondering whether the team will opt for the experience of Joe Flacco, take a risk on Shedeur Sanders, or make a splash in the 2026 NFL Draft with Arch Manning. With each passing day, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Browns’ decision at quarterback will have a ripple effect on their entire future.

Fans will be watching closely to see who emerges victorious in this highly anticipated quarterback battle. Will Flacco hold on to the starting job, or will the young guns like Sanders take over the mantle? And will Manning‘s future become intertwined with the Browns as they look to make waves in the 2026 draft?

Stay tuned for all the updates on this developing quarterback drama, and be sure to follow along as the Browns decide their future at the most important position on the field. What do you think? Should the Browns stick with Flacco, develop Sanders, or aim for a future star like Manning? Let us know in the comments!