The Cleveland Browns are amidst a heated quarterback competition during their Organized Team Activities (OTAs), featuring veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, alongside rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. This contest, held in the spring of 2025, has drawn significant attention as the team looks to determine its starting quarterback.
At 40 years old, Joe Flacco is the most experienced player in the Browns’ quarterback room, but he firmly rejects the notion that his role is to serve as a mentor for the younger quarterbacks. Flacco expressed his focus on competing to earn the starting position rather than guiding his teammates in a traditional mentoring capacity.
Joe Flacco Addresses His Role Amid the Quarterback Competition
During the OTAs, Flacco spoke candidly about how the media portrays his presence in the quarterback group. He remarked,
If I say I don’t want to be a mentor, I look bad,
and added,
If I say I do want to be a mentor, then I look like an idiot that doesn’t care about being good and playing football. So, it’s one of those questions that no matter what I say, you guys can write what you want to write about it.
—Joe Flacco, Browns Quarterback
He further clarified his perspective by saying,
I tend to try to be honest, and I’ve said I’m not a mentor. I play football… The best way to be a mentor, honestly, is show people how you go to work and like I said, hope that they pick up on that stuff, but not necessarily force them to pick up on the things that you do.
—Joe Flacco, Browns Quarterback
Flacco’s approach demonstrates his desire to lead by example rather than assuming the traditional mentor role, focusing on training and performance with the goal of securing the starting quarterback job.
Quarterbacks Collaborate and Compete on the Field
On the field, Flacco has shared first-team reps with Kenny Pickett, while rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have also had opportunities to practice regularly. Despite the competition, the quarterbacks seem to maintain a positive dynamic. Flacco said he has welcomed questions from the younger quarterbacks and emphasized the camaraderie among the group during workouts.
He described the interactions during OTAs:
The first day we’re out here throwing routes, like, Shedeur was asking me about steps and things like that,
and added,
Dillon was calling me up, trying to mimic my cadence, for whatever reason, he wants to get it similar.
—Joe Flacco, Browns Quarterback
Reflecting on their shared time, Flacco said,
We spent a lot of time together, all the quarterbacks do. I think that’s the nature of the beast… We’re having a blast and having a lot of fun, talking football and then just laughing at things that come up on a daily basis.
—Joe Flacco, Browns Quarterback
While Deshaun Watson remains on Cleveland’s roster as he continues recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, his absence during OTAs leaves the future of the team’s quarterback room uncertain.
Roster Questions Loom over Cleveland’s Quarterbacks
With four quarterbacks competing for playing time, analysts are skeptical the Browns will keep all of them on the final roster. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested that Cleveland may trade one of the quarterbacks during training camp to reduce the crowded quarterback room.
.@JFowlerESPN thinks that the Browns could trade one of their 4 QBs during training camp. “I have a hard time thinking they keep four on the roster”
—Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter
This indicates the competitive nature of the position group as the team balances talent and roster spots ahead of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals Face Ongoing Contract Dispute with Trey Hendrickson
Elsewhere in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals continue to navigate a contract disagreement with defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The 31-year-old player, who led the league last season with 17.5 sacks, remains firm in his stance on the negotiations, which have yet to reach a resolution.
Quarterback Joe Burrow voiced strong support for Hendrickson, affirming his respect for the player. Burrow stated,
We’ll see what happens with that, you guys all know how I feel about Trey,
followed by,
He’ a great player, I love Trey as a guy. He goes out and plays well every single Sunday. He’s very productive. He’s a guy that deserves to get paid and get paid what he wants and what the market is. I love Trey and hope he’s with us.
—Joe Burrow, Bengals Quarterback
Despite the contract impasse, Hendrickson retains the backing of teammates, reinforcing his value to the Bengals’ defensive unit.
Trade Talks Between Steelers and Dolphins Over Jonnu Smith Develop
In Pittsburgh, the Steelers have engaged in discussions with the Miami Dolphins about a potential trade involving tight end Jonnu Smith. Smith became Miami’s first Pro Bowl selection last season and had a standout year with 88 receptions, 884 yards, and eight touchdowns.
Smith, 29, is seeking a new contract and previously worked with Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith during his tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, communicated that Smith prefers to remain with the Dolphins, emphasizing his connection to the team and community.
Rosenhaus explained,
Here’s what I will say on behalf of my client: Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami,
continuing,
That’s his first choice. This is where he lives in the off-season. He had a record-breaking season last year. It was the best season ever for a Miami Dolphin tight end… He broke the team record for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns for a tight end and was the team’s single Pro Bowl player. He’s an incredibly valuable part of this team… He went to college at FIU. His dream team is the Dolphins. Hopefully, everything works out where he can stay in Miami.
—Drew Rosenhaus, Jonnu Smith’s Agent
These talks reflect ongoing contract and roster maneuvers as teams prepare for the coming NFL season.