Andrew Berry’s QB Decision: Will Browns Choose Joe Flacco or Shedeur Sanders in AFC North Showdown?

Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry faces a franchise-defining quarterback decision as the AFC North arms race intensifies. Choosing between veteran stability (Joe Flacco) and rookie potential (Shedeur Sanders) could determine the Browns’ playoff fate in the NFL’s most competitive division.

Berry’s gamble comes amid unprecedented QB depth, with five passers currently competing for snaps—including rehabbing starter Deshaun Watson. As divisional rivals scramble for solutions, Cleveland’s choice could reshape the AFC North hierarchy before October’s trade deadline.

The pressure mounts with Flacco showing preseason velocity concerns while Sanders dazzles in practice, creating the ultimate risk-reward scenario for Browns leadership.

Andrew Berry’s Quarterback Conundrum: Balancing Veteran Savvy vs. Rookie Potential

The Cleveland Browns’ front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry, faces its most consequential decision since acquiring Deshaun Watson. With veteran Joe Flacco’s playoff-proven experience contrasting sharply with rookie Shedeur Sanders’ tantalizing potential, the organization stands at a crossroads that could define their next decade. Flacco’s 17-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio during last season’s surprise playoff run demonstrated he still possesses championship-caliber decision-making, while Sanders’ preseason performances have showcased rare arm talent and mobility for a first-year player.

Mike Tomlin’s public astonishment at Flacco’s availability (“I can’t believe they’re entertaining moving on from him”) echoes through league circles, putting additional pressure on Berry’s evaluation process. The Browns must consider:

• Flacco’s mentorship value for developing Sanders
• Sanders’ need for immediate snaps versus long-term development
• The looming specter of Watson’s $230 million contract

The Age vs. Potential Equation

Flacco’s 39-year-old arm showed noticeable velocity declines during OTAs, particularly on deep crossing routes where his throws averaged 2.3 mph slower than 2023. Conversely, Sanders’ combine-leading 62 mph fastball and 4.59 40-yard dash present offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey with scheme versatility unseen in Cleveland since Baker Mayfield’s rookie season.

Hoo hoo! The Browns remind me of the 2005 Chargers who kept both Drew Brees and Philip Rivers. Sometimes competition breeds excellence, but more often it creates paralysis. Cleveland must choose their flight path before training camp clouds their vision.

Shedeur Sanders Scouting Report: Is the Hype Justified?

The Colorado product’s preseason performances—68% completion rate, 5:1 TD-INT ratio against second-team defenses—have ignited passionate debates in Berea. Sanders’ fluid pocket movement and anticipatory throws suggest rare processing speed, but his 37.2% completion rate against blitz packages reveals concerning vulnerability to NFL-caliber pressure.

Sanders’ developmental timeline presents complications:

• Needs 2-3 seconds to progress through reads (0.8 sec slower than Flacco)
• Struggles identifying disguised coverages (allowed 3 INTs in 7-on-7 drills)
• Exceptional improvisational skills outside structure

This fledgling quarterback reminds me of a young Russell Wilson with his escape ability, but Wilson had unprecedented college experience. Sanders’ 22 college starts compared to Wilson’s 50 at NC State/Wisconsin means Cleveland risks breaking his confidence if thrown to the wolves too soon.

AFC North Quarterback Arms Race: How the Browns Stack Up

The division’s quarterback landscape underwent seismic shifts this offseason, with Aaron Rodgers joining Pittsburgh and Cincinnati scrambling after Joe Burrow’s unexpected retirement. Cleveland’s QB depth theoretically provides stability, but roster congestion could become their Achilles’ heel in a division where rivals have clear hierarchies.

The wise owl observes: Baltimore’s continuity gives them the perch advantage, but Pittsburgh’s Rodgers acquisition smells like desperation. Cleveland’s multiple options could either be their greatest strength or the nest that collapses under its own weight.

The Financial Implications: Navigating the NFL’s Most Expensive QB Room

Cleveland’s $63.2 million invested in quarterbacks (including $46 million dead cap hit for Watson) forces difficult choices. Berry must reconcile:

• Flacco’s $8.5 million incentive-laden deal
• Sanders’ $6.2 million rookie contract
• Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million albatross

Keeping all three would consume 22.7% of Cleveland’s 2025 cap space, limiting their ability to retain defensive stars like Myles Garrett beyond 2026. Potential solutions include:

1. Restructuring Watson’s deal (kicking $32 million into future years)
2. Trading Flacco to QB-needy teams (Bengals, Raiders have inquired)
3. Designating Sanders as QB2 to preserve rookie contract value

Kevin Stefanski’s Scheme Adaptation: Which QB Fits Best?

The Browns head coach has reportedly redesigned his offensive system to incorporate elements from:

• Shanahan-style outside zone (favoring Flacco’s play-action prowess)
• Baltimore-esque RPO concepts (highlighting Sanders’ mobility)
• Buffalo’s spread principles (Dillon Gabriel’s specialty)

Trade Deadline Dynamics: Evaluating Flacco’s Market Value

With Cincinnati reportedly offering a conditional 2026 third-round pick (escalating to second-round based on playoff wins), Berry must weigh short-term gains against strengthening a division rival. Flacco’s value peaks as:

• Proven January performer (11-5 career playoff record)
• Instant offensive stabilizer (94.3 passer rating in Cleveland)
• Low-cost rental ($4.5 million remaining salary)