Dillon Gabriel faces an uncertain future after a failed starting stint with the Cleveland Browns, which could lead to him getting a “fresh start” somewhere else.
The Browns drafted Gabriel in the third round with pick No. 94 overall. He took over as the starter in Week 5 for veteran Joe Flacco. Gabriel went 1-5 in his starts, passing for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
Gabriel failed to provide a spark for the Browns’ offense, rarely pushing the ball downfield. He was replaced as the starter in Week 11 after suffering a concussion, opening the door for Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel never reclaimed the job, and Sanders is set to finish the season as Cleveland’s starter.
Cleveland will spend the offseason evaluating its long-term plan at quarterback, but Gabriel is unlikely to be a central part of those discussions. Zac Jackson of The Athletic outlined several potential paths forward for the Browns and indicated Gabriel is viewed, at most, as a depth piece. Jackson added that a trade and a fresh start elsewhere could ultimately be the best outcome for Gabriel.
“He was overdrafted and shouldn’t be in the team’s plans except as a potential future backup option. Maybe the Browns will choose that route in 2026, or they’ll try to trade Gabriel for a late-round pick to another team seeking a backup,” Jackson said. “The best thing for Gabriel to get a chance to have a real NFL career would be a fresh start somewhere else for his second season. If the Browns have a new coaching staff and front office, that group will have to decide what it thinks about Gabriel and Sanders.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Apologized to Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel has not spoken publicly since being benched. But he has seen some very limited action, entering for a play when Sanders suffered a finger injury against the Buffalo Bills. Gabriel received boos as he took the snap, which resulted in him being sacked.
After the game, Sanders apologized for putting Gabriel in a tough spot.
“I did everything to come back,” Sanders said. “I didn’t want to put Dillon in a bad situation. It’s tough to play that role because you don’t get reps. “I said, ‘My bad bro’ for putting you in that situation.”
Sanders had previously urged fans not to boo Gabriel if he was trying to run the offense. Gabriel was hammered with boos from a home crowd during the game that Sanders took over under center.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Showing Progress
The last few weeks have not been pretty for Sanders. Working behind a patchwork offensive line and with limited weapons around him, Sanders has passed for 334 yards with one touchdown and five interceptions.
But Sanders has also shown growth and upside, which offensive coordinator Tommy Rees stressed.
“I just think continue on the right progression that he’s on right now, continue to make good decisions, continue to focus on the areas that we’re asking him to do,” Rees said. “Find ways to move the football, find ways to score points – that’s the quarterback’s job.”
Sanders will use the final few games of the season to make his case as a long-term option, hoping to convince the Browns they don’t need to spend a first-round pick on a quarterback. Cleveland holds two first-round selections, with its top pick currently slotted at No. 3 overall with two games remaining.
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