Dillon Gabriel stayed with the Cleveland Browns after the trade deadline, and he could remain with the team next season. Although Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders have drawn most of the attention, Cleveland may still see a role for Gabriel in its quarterback room.
The Browns were reportedly unwilling to trade Gabriel for a modest return. With injuries affecting teams across the league and Cleveland’s long-term plans at quarterback uncertain, keeping four quarterbacks on the active roster may give the team added flexibility. Gabriel, a third-round pick in the 2025 draft, is under contract through 2028 and could potentially serve as a backup next season.
## Gabriel’s Place on Cleveland’s Depth Chart
Gabriel’s immediate opportunity has been limited by an injury and his position on the depth chart. The Browns placed him on injured reserve with a back injury on Aug. 30. He returned to practice on Oct. 6 and was activated on Oct. 26, rejoining a quarterback group that includes Watson, Sanders and rookie Taylen Green.
When Watson was unavailable while in concussion protocol, Cleveland turned to Sanders against New Orleans. Gabriel remains third on the Browns’ unofficial depth chart, with Green listed behind him.
Gabriel has some NFL starting experience. As a rookie, he appeared in 10 games and started six, completing 110 of 185 passes for 937 yards and seven touchdowns. His return gave Cleveland another option while Watson’s availability was uncertain and allowed the team to continue evaluating a young quarterback who remains under contract.
## Browns Still Face Questions at Quarterback
Cleveland chose Watson as its starter for Sunday’s game against Houston. Coach Monken pointed to Watson’s performance over the first eight games, during which the Browns went 5-3 in his starts. Sanders started in Watson’s absence and threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns without an interception in a 23-22 overtime loss to New Orleans.
Sanders’ performance adds to the Browns’ considerations as they assess their young quarterbacks, even as Watson gets the next opportunity. Watson has not thrown a touchdown pass since Week 5, and another poor performance could put his starting role under scrutiny during the bye week. The team’s decisions at quarterback remain open as Cleveland evaluates its options for the rest of the season and beyond.
