The Cleveland Browns are exploring all of their options to build out their quarterback room, but Dillon Gabriel may end up being the odd man out.
The Browns selected Gabriel in the third round with the No. 94 overall pick, a notable reach compared to where most projections had the former Oregon quarterback coming off the board. Gabriel brought experience, having started across six college seasons, but he never possessed the physical traits typically associated with a long-term franchise passer.
Once Gabriel saw extended action, those concerns became difficult to overlook. He went 1-5 as a starter, throwing for 937 yards with seven touchdowns against two interceptions. Gabriel struggled to push the ball downfield, rarely testing defenses beyond 10 yards and operating almost exclusively within the short area. He averaged just 5.1 yards per attempt, ranking 48th in the NFL.
While discussing what the Browns’ quarterback room could look like next season, former NFL safety Tyvis Powell of the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show said Cleveland should move on from Dillon Gabriel, noting that he doesn’t project as a viable option.
“I do believe Shedeur will be there, and Deshaun Watson will be there. Those two are guarantees. I think they have seen enough of Dillon and will move on,” Powell said. “If they are going to keep Deshaun, they don’t have to sign a veteran. He is the vet. And him and Shedeur have a good relationship. Keep those two guys.”
Deshaun Watson Likely to Remain With Browns
Browns general manager Andrew Berry has not given much insight into the quarterback room. However, he all but assured Watson will be back next season after missing all of this year recovering from two Achilles surgeries. Watson returned to practice for three weeks but was never activated.
“First I’ll say we’re very pleased with how Deshaun went through and attacked his rehab this past year, how he engaged with the team, what he did in the meeting rooms,” Berry said. “I can never predict the future, but right now we do anticipate him being on the 2026 team. But we have a long way to go before we get to that point with any player.”
With that in mind, Adam “The Bull” Gerstenhaber also touted a quarterback room assembly that eliminates Gabriel, who might be desiring a fresh start anyway after a turbulent rookie year.
“If it were up to me, it would be Shedeur Sanders, a veteran out there — not Deshaun Watson — and whatever, Bailey Zappe is my third guy,” Gerstenhaber said. “What the Browns should do — because I don’t think they cut Watson — is get rid of Dillon Gabriel. He’d love to be gone. Trade Dillon Gabriel for a seventh-round pick. Do him a favor, get him out of here.”
Browns Unlikely to Take Quarterback in Draft
The Browns hold the No. 6 overall pick in what is a very thin quarterback draft. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is likely to be the top pick and Alabama’s Ty Simpson is another potential first-rounder.
Oregon’s Dante Moore, who could have potentially been on the Browns’ radar, decided this week to return to school. That leaves the Browns with limited options and puts Sanders in the driver’s seat to keep the starting gig.
“I would start Shedeur Sanders. I don’t see a better option,” Gerstenhaber said. “Shedeur has more upside than anyone in the draft. If he stinks, then they are going to have a high pick next year.”
Sanders started the final seven games of the season, showing flashes of promise but delivering inconsistent results. He finished with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
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