Kevin Stefanski recently offered an assessment of the Browns quarterback situation, saying, “You know, I’d like to keep everybody, but not realistic.”

That statement speaks to the reality facing Cleveland as they approach final roster decisions.

With four quarterbacks in camp, only three are likely to make the cut. Joe Flacco is expected to be named the Week 1 starter, and rightly so. His experience and command of the offense make him the most stable option.

Meanwhile, rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel have impressed in their preseason debuts, showing enough promise to justify keeping them on the roster.

That leaves Kenny Pickett in a tough position. If he doesn’t play, and play well, in the final preseason game, he could find himself on the outside looking in.

Shedeur Sanders made a strong impression in his first NFL action. Against the Panthers, he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating poise, accuracy, and a natural feel for the game. Sanders looked comfortable in the pocket, extended plays when necessary, and showed a knack for converting in the red zone.

His performance wasn’t just solid; it was exciting. For a fifth-round pick, Sanders looked like a player who belongs in the league and could develop into a legitimate franchise quarterback.

Dillon Gabriel, while less consistent, also showed flashes of NFL-level talent. He started hot against the Eagles, completing eight of his first nine passes and leading a touchdown drive.

Though he struggled with a pick-six and a botched handoff later in the game, Gabriel finished 13-of-18 for 143 yards and displayed resilience and third-down efficiency. Both rookies have momentum, and both have made a compelling case to be part of the Browns future.

Kenny Pickett, on the other hand, has yet to prove he deserves a spot. His NFL career to date has been underwhelming. In 30 games, he has thrown just 15 touchdowns against 14 interceptions, with a career passer rating of 79.3.

Injuries have hurt his development, and he has been limited throughout training camp with a lingering hamstring issue. He hasn’t taken a single preseason snap this year, and that absence is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Pickett was once viewed as a franchise quarterback in Pittsburgh, but that narrative has faded. Now, he is fighting for relevance in Cleveland.

Stefanski has made it clear that the final preseason game is a “dress rehearsal,” and decisions will be made soon.

Pickett must play in that game, and more importantly, he must perform at a level that forces the coaching staff to reconsider. If he doesn’t, he risks being leapfrogged by two rookies who have already shown more in less time.

As the Browns finalize their quarterback depth chart, the picture is becoming clearer. Joe Flacco is the obvious choice to start Week 1. Shedeur Sanders has earned the backup role with his strong debut and high ceiling. Dillon Gabriel, despite some growing pains, has shown enough to warrant a developmental spot.

That leaves Kenny Pickett as the odd man out unless he delivers a standout performance in the final preseason game. Stefanski’s comment about roster realism wasn’t just a meaningless line; it was a warning.

The Browns have three quarterbacks they can build around. If Kenny Pickett doesn’t rise to the occasion, he will be left searching for his next opportunity.

My final quarterback depth chart for Week 1 would be:

1. Joe Flacco

2. Shedeur Sanders

3. Dillon Gabriel