The Cleveland Browns began rookie minicamp on Friday with plenty of eyeballs on them. Why? Well, the quarterback battle between Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders is a big talking point.
When the entire team reports, the QB battle will be even more of a topic of discussion. With Deshaun Watson injured, the Browns have Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel and Sanders set to battle it out for the QB1 job.
Sure, Gabriel took the first rep on Friday over Sanders, but he was also selected two rounds before Sanders. But, both Pickett and Flacco are expected to be contenders for the job.
Many presumed that Flacco, the veteran signal-caller on the tail end of his career, would be tasked with grooming and molding Sanders or Gabriel.
But, that doesn't seem to be the thought process.
Browns General Manager Andrew Berry was asked about the quarterback situation, and he had an interesting response in regards to the Flacco stance, per Daniel Oyefusi.
“Joe’s job also isn’t to bring along rookies. We have a very experienced and good coaching staff. That’s their job. Joe’s job is to compete and earn a role, just like the others in the room.
Berry said Flacco's job is to "compete" and "earn a role," which means the former Baltimore Ravens starter will be one name who has a clear path to the starting job.
Flacco has the experience, although he has spent time with each of the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and the Browns before returning to Cleveland.
Do the Browns stick with the 40-year-old to begin the year? Or do they give the veteran a clipboard? Only time will tell, but these comments from Berry are evident that Flacco will enter camp with a chance to win the job.
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