53-Man Roster Projection (Offense)
The first of two versions coming over the next seven days as rosters are set to be trimmed.
Well, it’s time. I’ve taken in enough live practices and preseason games to come to a relatively solid conclusion about this roster. To be fair, there will be new evidence after this weekend’s game, and I’ll publish one more version with those updates — including performance notes, injuries, and more. Still, I feel confident about what this roster should look like based on what we’ve seen and where this season is most likely headed as the official date for cutdown is 4PM on Tuesday of next week.
This isn’t going to be a simple “here’s what I would do” exercise. Instead, think of it as a hybrid approach. I’ll lean on some gut feelings from what I’ve observed, but I’ll also weigh them against what the Browns have done in the past, drawing from their history since 2020. Consider this the perfect mixture of prediction and analysis you’ve come to expect from Browns Film Breakdown. I’ll cover the roster locks, bubble players, and practice squad candidates over the next ten days.
One other note: I’ll list Michael Hall Jr. and Quinshon Judkins, both of whom I expect to be on the active roster for most of the season. However, they won’t count toward the 53-man listing for their side of the ball. Judkins’ situation could be resolved by early next week, but since it’s uncertain, we’ll play it safe. Also, keep in mind this is a projection for what the roster will look like in Week 1, once the dust settles — not the version we’ll see on the NFL’s mandatory cutdown date, when teams get creative with roster maneuvering.
At the end of this article, you’ll find a full offensive depth chart along with detailed notes on the decisions I made. Let’s get after it.
Quarterbacks
Locks (3): Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders
Bubble (1): Kenny Pickett
Practice Squad (1): Tyler Huntley
Notes: Pickett’s injury might have helped clarify this situation, but I believe the Browns will ultimately carry just three quarterbacks. They could keep Pickett past the final cutdown date, but — as we saw last year with Tyler Huntley — that would likely be temporary. The most probable outcome is that the team trades Pickett to a club in need of depth, then rolls with the two rookies behind Flacco.
It’s a calculated risk, but one worth taking. Keeping four quarterbacks is unnecessary, and the Browns need to find out what these young arms can do. Flacco will start the season and take them as far as he can before eventually passing the torch. Huntley makes plenty of sense on the practice squad if he is willing with an opportunity to come up and play a game should injury or a lack of readiness happen with the rookies.
Final Cut: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders
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