The Browns are releasing Pro-Bowl QB Tyler Huntley, per Adam Schefter. Cleveland is planning to keep four QBs — Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders — on the active roster.
Browns Release Pro-Bowl QB Tyler Huntley, Opt to Carry Four Quarterbacks Into 2025 Season
In a move that has left fans and analysts buzzing, the Cleveland Browns are releasing Pro-Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The decision comes as a surprise, given Huntley’s proven experience as a starter and his ability to step into high-pressure situations. But Cleveland has chosen to go in a different direction, electing to carry four quarterbacks on their active roster: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders.
The decision immediately raises questions about the Browns’ long-term strategy and whether this unconventional roster structure will strengthen or complicate their offense heading into the 2025 season.
Huntley’s Brief Tenure in Cleveland
Huntley, who rose to prominence with the Baltimore Ravens and even earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2022, was brought to Cleveland with expectations of being a reliable backup or even a spot starter if needed. Known for his mobility, calm pocket presence, and ability to extend plays, Huntley was seen as a safety net in case injuries plagued the Browns’ quarterback room — something the franchise has struggled with in recent years.
Instead, Huntley finds himself released before the start of the season. While he may not have been in Cleveland’s long-term plans, few anticipated his departure this early, especially given the Browns’ investment in reshaping their quarterback depth chart.
Why Four Quarterbacks?
Carrying four quarterbacks on the active roster is a rare move in today’s NFL, where most teams stick with two, occasionally three. Cleveland’s decision signals a unique strategy and perhaps a hedge against the instability that has defined their quarterback position over the last decade.
- Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old veteran, brings championship pedigree and steadiness. His leadership in the locker room is invaluable, especially for younger QBs still developing.
- Kenny Pickett, who struggled with consistency in Pittsburgh, now has an opportunity to reboot his career in a different system. The Browns are betting on his potential rather than his past struggles.
- Dillon Gabriel, a rookie out of Oklahoma, is widely viewed as a long-term project. His mobility and arm talent give Cleveland a developmental prospect they can groom.
- Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer and Colorado coach Deion Sanders, enters the league with a massive spotlight. The Browns’ willingness to keep him on the active roster underscores just how high expectations are for the rookie.
By keeping all four, Cleveland appears committed to building both for the present and the future, while ensuring they’re protected from injuries derailing their season.
What This Means for Huntley
Huntley immediately becomes one of the more attractive free-agent quarterbacks on the market. With several teams still searching for backup depth — and a few playoff contenders looking for insurance behind their starters — it wouldn’t be surprising if Huntley lands quickly elsewhere.
Possible landing spots include quarterback-needy teams like the New York Giants, New England Patriots, or Minnesota Vikings, who could all benefit from adding a reliable and experienced option to their roster.
The Bigger Picture in Cleveland
This decision also highlights a broader theme in Cleveland: flexibility. After years of quarterback instability, the Browns are seemingly leaving no stone unturned. By keeping four QBs, they’re not just looking at immediate success but also developing long-term options.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski now has a diverse quarterback room with a range of skill sets — Flacco’s experience, Pickett’s youth, Gabriel’s mobility, and Sanders’ playmaking ability. While this could provide versatility in game-planning, it also raises questions about reps and chemistry. Splitting practice time among four quarterbacks could dilute development, and locker room dynamics will need careful management to prevent any sense of hierarchy confusion.
Reactions Around the League
The news of Huntley’s release has sparked mixed reactions among analysts and fans. Some view it as a bold move that reflects confidence in the new quarterback group, while others question whether parting with a Pro-Bowl caliber talent was premature.
On social media, Browns fans expressed both shock and intrigue. Some applauded the team for taking risks and stockpiling quarterback talent, while others worried the move could backfire if injuries or underperformance strike.
NFL insiders have noted that Cleveland’s decision could set a precedent for other teams experimenting with larger quarterback rooms — particularly in an era where quarterback play can make or break a season.
Looking Ahead
As the Browns finalize their roster for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how this four-quarterback system plays out. Joe Flacco is expected to start the season as QB1, but the depth chart behind him remains fluid. Pickett, Sanders, and Gabriel each bring unique skill sets that could be tapped into if circumstances demand.
For Huntley, the journey continues elsewhere. While his time in Cleveland was short-lived, his track record suggests he won’t be unemployed for long. Teams looking for a steady hand at quarterback will no doubt have him on their radar.
Ultimately, Cleveland’s bold decision underscores just how unpredictable the NFL can be. By cutting ties with Huntley and opting to keep four quarterbacks, the Browns are betting on a high-risk, high-reward formula that could either propel them deeper into contention — or invite more of the chaos that has defined the franchise for decades.
Leave a Reply