Dillon Gabriel is expected to remain with the Cleveland Browns, but his path back into the starting quarterback conversation appears increasingly unlikely.
Gabriel started six games after taking over for Joe Flacco in Week 5, going 1-5 while throwing for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. His stint as the starter ended in Week 11 after he exited with a concussion, which also sidelined him the following week. That opened the door for Shedeur Sanders. The fifth-round pick has since taken over the job and is expected to finish the season as Cleveland’s QB1.
Now, Gabriel — a third-round pick — faces a more uncertain role moving forward. While his roster spot does not appear to be in jeopardy, a return to the starting mix does not seem likely.
“With Sanders currently having the inside track to start for the Browns next season, will Gabriel still be on the team? With the Browns’ third-round pick under contract for three more years on his rookie deal, the plan is to bring him back in 2026 and continue to develop him,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com said. “Depending on how the QB room shakes out, Gabriel could be the backup QB or the No. 3. But the Browns still like him and believe he’s worth the investment of more time.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Draws Praise for Improvement
The Browns have seen enough to continue rolling with Sanders the rest of the season. However, he’s still auditioning for the long-term role in Cleveland. The Browns hold two first-round picks in next year’s draft, which they could use to pursue their quarterback of the future.
That said, Sanders has done all the right things since landing in Cleveland. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has been impressed with his work ethic and desire to improve.
“I’ve been really impressed by his work ethic. And that’s going back to since the moment he got here,” Stefanski said on Dec. 8. “He’s still very early into his career, and he would tell you the same. You want to have constant improvement in everything you’re doing. There’s moments in these games that come up that are hard to replicate in practice. You can talk through them on tape, you can talk through them in a walk through, and then you get the rep in a game, and that’s the most valuable learning tool you can have. And I think he will only take all of that and use that to his development moving forward.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sander Staying Present Ahead of Clash With Bears
There’s a lot at stake for Sanders as the Browns close out a losing season. But he’s not getting too far ahead of himself, taking a week-by-week approach.
“That’s a long, deep thought. That’s not in my focus. My focus right now is the team we’re playing ahead, the Bears. Anything past that I’m not really focused on, honestly,” Sanders said. “I’m thankful for it, but I’m not content with my situation, with everything. And we’re leading this team.”
Sanders will look to follow up his best performance of his short career. He passed for 364 yards and accounts for four touchdowns — three passing and one rushing — in a 31-29 loss against the Tennessee Titans. Sanders earned Rookie of the Week honors for the outing.
