The Cleveland Browns‘ much-criticized selection of Dillon Gabriel in the third round was influenced by former head coach Kevin Stefanski and likely played a factor in his firing.
The Browns took Gabriel in the third round with pick No. 94 overall — well ahead of where most projections had the former Oregon passer going. Gabriel had the credentials thanks to his six college seasons. But he lacked the physical attributes of a potential franchise passer.
When Gabriel got his shot, it became more apparent that he was likely not the long-sought-after answer the team was looking for at quarterback. He went 1-5 in his starts, passing for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. The significant issue with Gabriel was that he failed to deliver explosive plays and rarely looked beyond 10 yards downfield. He averaged just 5.1 yards per attempt, ranking No. 48 in the NFL.
ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi said that Stefanski influenced the decision to draft Gabriel. It eventually led to Stefanski — who was hired for his offensive prowess — giving up play-calling duties and ultimately looking for a job.
“The move to Gabriel — a team source said Stefanski’s input weighed heavily in the decision to draft him at No. 94 — didn’t turn things around, and the midseason changes continued,” Oyefusi said. “When the Browns returned from their Week 9 bye with a 2-6 record, Stefanski announced he was turning over the playcalling duties to (Tommy) Rees. It marked the second consecutive season that Stefanski gave the responsibility to his offensive coordinator amid offensive struggles.”
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel May Need Fresh Start
Gabriel’s future with the Browns is uncertain. He’s unlikely to factor into the team’s plans moving forward, especially with Stefanski out of the picture. Veteran Deshaun Watson will return next season, as will Shedeur Sanders, who took over for Gabriel following a concussion and started the final seven games of the season.
The Browns have a lot of discussion on the quarterback position this offseason, especially with two first-round picks — the first coming at No. 6 overall. For Gabriel, the best case scenario might be a fresh start.
“He was overdrafted and shouldn’t be in the team’s plans except as a potential future backup option. Maybe the Browns will choose that route in 2026, or they’ll try to trade Gabriel for a late-round pick to another team seeking a backup,” Zac Jackson of The Athletic said in December. “The best thing for Gabriel to get a chance to have a real NFL career would be a fresh start somewhere else for his second season. If the Browns have a new coaching staff and front office, that group will have to decide what it thinks about Gabriel and Sanders.”
Shedeur Sanders Also Facing Uncertainty With Browns
The Browns are expected to explore every option in their quarterback room this offseason. While Sanders — a fifth-round pick — flashed at times during his seven starts, he did not do enough to cement himself as the unquestioned starter.
Sanders, however, remains confident in his growth, even as he acknowledges that his future role is out of his control.
“I think I did what I was able to do, and I definitely grew from a lot of things and got experience,” Sanders said. “Confidence-wise, I’m there. But that’s not in my hands. That’s not my decision. I can’t speak on what other people feel.”
Sanders finished his rookie season with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
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