There is growing chatter that Cleveland could carry three quarterbacks on the initial roster, with Gabriel serving as the third option behind Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. If the Browns decide to move on from Gabriel, interest from other teams could be substantial, given his regular-season starting experience and continued development potential.
Gabriel had previously faded from the spotlight in the quarterback competition, as head coach Todd Monken primarily focused on Watson and Sanders during the first two preseason games. Watson ultimately won the starting job, though Monken noted that Sanders made the decision a close one. In a brief appearance against the Chicago Bears and a limited role versus the Buffalo Bills, Gabriel was largely sidelined, which prompted the coaching staff to adjust the rotation in the finale to give him a longer look.
Monken explained that the goal was to see more of Gabriel (and Taylen Green), citing fairness in opportunity. “We’re not playing [Sanders] because we’d like to see Dillon more,” he said. “It worked out last game where it wasn’t fair to [Gabriel]. In order to see more of him and Taylen (Green), there aren’t enough reps.”
Gabriel, a third-round pick in the 2025 draft out of Oregon, began his NFL career with six starts as a rookie, finishing 1-5 with a 59.5% completion rate, 937 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The audition wasn’t just about Gabriel. Taylen Green, a 2026 draft pick known for his size, speed, and arm strength, played in the second half against New England and adds another developmental angle for Cleveland. Green stands 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds, with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash from the scouting combine, presenting a different developmental trajectory for the Browns. His upside, particularly in packages that leverage his athleticism, makes it a strategic dilemma for the roster, as teams weigh waivers risk against potential long-term reward.
Many projections have doubted whether Cleveland would keep four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster, given the depth at other positions and Watson’s injury history. Yet some analysts have suggested that the Browns could opt to retain four signal-callers to hedge against further uncertainty at the position.
As Cleveland weighs its options, Gabriel’s impressive showing in the preseason finale has injected new life into the competition. For teams seeking affordable quarterback depth with at least some starting experience, Gabriel could be an appealing trade or waiver target, depending on the club’s quarterback needs and roster strategy.
In summary, the preseason showcased Gabriel’s developmental upside and his potential to contribute as a reliable depth option, especially for teams seeking an affordable quarterback with NFL experience. It also underscored the ongoing complexity of Cleveland’s quarterback decision, with Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, and Green all presenting different paths and possibilities for the Browns’ depth chart. The coming days and weeks will reveal how Cleveland chooses to structure its quarterback room and whether Gabriel remains in the mix as a third option or moves on to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
