Cleveland Browns’ 2025 Season: New quarterback era begins amid challenging schedule

New Leadership at Quarterback

The Cleveland Browns have named Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders serving as backups. This decision came as the most practical choice, given Flacco’s experience and familiarity with the team’s system.

Early Season Challenges

The Browns face a daunting start to their 2025 campaign, with five of their first six games against playoff teams from the previous season, including division rivals Cincinnati and Baltimore.

The season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals resulted in a narrow 17-16 loss, putting the Browns at 0-1 to start the year.

Roster Developments and Changes

The team has assembled a diverse receiving corps led by Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, with new additions including Isaiah Bond, DeAndre Carter, and Gage Larvadain. Second-year player Jamari Thrash adds depth to the receiving unit.

On defense, the Browns have secured their cornerstone player Myles Garrett with a record-setting four-year, $160 million extension. The defensive unit has been reinforced with rookies, including defensive tackle Mason Graham, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2025 draft.

Looking Ahead

The Browns are looking to build on their success from 2023, when they won 11 games behind the NFL’s best defense and reached the playoffs for only the third time since 1999. However, 2025 presents greater challenges, and expectations suggest the team won’t be an offensive powerhouse this season.

The team maintains depth at key positions, with David Njoku leading the tight end group, supported by Brenden Bates, rookie Harold Fannin Jr., and Blake Whiteheart – providing both receiving options and blocking protection.