News - Browns' Quarterback Dilemma: Decision Time for Dillon Gabriel

The Cleveland Browns are facing a crucial decision regarding quarterback Dillon Gabriel as his practice window from injured reserve nears its conclusion. Drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Gabriel has been recovering from a back injury sustained at the end of training camp. The Browns now have just over a week to decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster, leave him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season, or possibly explore trade options. Zac Jackson, a team insider from The Athletic, recently shared insights on 92.3 The Fan, stating that although the Browns may consider moving Gabriel if the right deal comes along, keeping him on the roster after his recovery could complicate quarterback dynamics. "The Browns are open to trading Dillon Gabriel, albeit his ongoing role with the team appears bleak," Jackson commented. Gabriel's activation would mean carrying four quarterbacks, including existing starter Deshaun Watson, backup Shedeur Sanders, and rookie Taylen Green, on their active roster — a strategy most NFL teams avoid due to roster limitations. Currently standing at 4-2 and leading the AFC North, the Browns appear stable with Watson regaining his form post-Achilles injury. Gabriel, with an outstanding college record capped by tying the FBS mark of 155 touchdown passes across his tenure at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, continues to be a potentially valuable asset. Despite this, his NFL contributions have been restricted. His rookie season saw ten appearances with six starts, leading to a 59.5% completion rate for 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and a 1-5 record as a starter. In the preseason 2026 finale before sustaining an injury, Gabriel showcased his passing prowess, completing 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns against the New England Patriots. This tantalizing display of talent warranted the Browns' investment in him with the 94th overall draft pick. Despite having sufficient quality in quarterback depth — with Watson, Sanders, and Green — team insiders suggest Cleveland prefers to keep Gabriel if possible. However, external trade interest approaching the NFL trade deadline could alter the team's plan. Jackson remarks on the challenges of trading Gabriel, as the return might not reflect his perceived potential, given his standing in the Browns' quarterback lineup. Moreover, by reactivating Gabriel, the team would need to appropriately adjust their roster, possibly setting off a chain of moves amid current injury-stricken positions. Under contract on a four-year deal for $6.23 million following the 2025 draft, Gabriel, at 5'11" and 205 pounds, presents primarily as a developmental contender with backup caliber potential in the NFL. Cleveland's roster moves will unfold with the team's ongoing playoff aspirations certainly affecting the final decision. While Gabriel's role in Cleveland is undefined with Watson at the helm and emergent talents in the fray, upcoming decisions on his trade, activation, or placement on injured reserve will soon be determined.