The Cleveland Browns are navigating an unusual issue at the quarterback position — not a shortage, but a surplus. Amid growing speculation that they won’t retain all four of their current quarterbacks — Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders — the team is reportedly open to keeping all four on the 53-man roster.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, this is a financially viable option due to the low base salaries and cap numbers attached to each quarterback. This scenario is rare in the NFL and raises questions about both roster strategy and long-term planning.
Cap Flexibility Allows Browns to Retain Four Quarterbacks Without Immediate Financial Consequences
Financially, the Browns can manage the situation with surprising ease. The combined cap hit of all four quarterbacks stands at just $7.6 million, which is only a fraction of Deshaun Watson’s $35.971 million cap figure for 2025. Watson’s cap hit is set to increase drastically in 2026, but for now, the team has budget flexibility.
This cap space gives the Browns the rare opportunity to explore the unconventional option of retaining four quarterbacks without making severe sacrifices in other areas of the roster, at least from a financial standpoint.
However, the real cost may come in the form of roster depth at other positions. Carrying four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster could mean cutting a spot from key groups such as the offensive or defensive line, or the running back unit.
As the season progresses and injuries inevitably arise, that lost spot could significantly impact weekly game-day rosters. Although Cabot suggests the team might only temporarily carry four quarterbacks, even that short-term decision could disrupt team balance and player development.
Browns May Leverage QB Surplus to Create Trade Opportunities and Strategic Flexibility
There’s also speculation that the Browns might be using this narrative to build trade leverage. By presenting the idea that all four quarterbacks are sticking around, the team may hope to increase the trade value of one — likely Pickett — before camp or the regular season.
If they fail to generate trade interest, creative solutions like temporarily cutting Flacco and re-signing him to the practice squad each week might come into play. This “54-man roster trick” allows for a flexible workaround without officially burning a roster spot.
Ultimately, the Browns’ quarterback surplus reflects deeper strategic and structural challenges within the organization. The team didn’t foresee this level of depth or confusion when they made their massive financial commitment to Watson.
Now, with Watson’s health still in question, the issue is no longer whether they have a reliable backup — it’s whether they have too many to manage effectively. It’s a complication that may require input from more than just the coaching staff, including the team’s Chief Strategy Officer, whose role may now prove more vital than ceremonial.
