The Cleveland Browns are reportedly moving on from their 2025 third-round pick, quarterback Dillon Gabriel. The 25-year-old might be his way out, as the Browns are hosting a two-way quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox suggested that the Browns should trade Gabriel before training camp. After adding sixth-round pick Taylen Green to the QB depth chart, the chances are looking slim for the 2024 Heisman finalist.

"Gabriel was a third-round pick in 2025 and has the intangibles to be a decent long-term backup," Knox wrote. "However, he doesn't have the physical tools to be a starter and isn't a great fit for Todd Monken's offence."

Gabriel finished his rookie season with 937 passing yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions in 10 appearances.

Gabriel entered the starting lineup earlier than anticipated, as Watson was recovering from his Achilles injury, and Flacco was traded to Cincinnati in early October.

Therefore, the Browns trusted Gabriel with the starting spot before he could get time to develop. During the Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Gabriel sustained a concussion and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Despite recovering in two weeks, the Browns sidelined Gabriel for the rest of the season in favor on Shedeur Sanders. He led the Browns to a 3-4 record to close out the season, earning Pro Bowl nods.

Trading Gabriel ahead of training camp would give Cleveland a chance to recoup draft capital. It would also open a roster spot to develop and give reps to Taylen Green behind Watson and Sanders. 

However, it only addresses part of Cleveland’s quarterback situation. The more important decision of the QB1 is to be made by Monken ahead of the season.

Browns Face Tough QB Decision with Watson and Sanders

The Cleveland Browns ended the 2025 campaign with one of the most scrutinised quarterback rooms in the NFL.

Deshaun Watson is back from his injury, and Shedeur Sanders took over the Browns' reigns late in the season. Therefore, Cleveland faces a big organisational decision at the position as it heads into 2026. 

The Browns restructured Watson's deal to lower his cap hit to $44.9 million from $80.7 million. However, the front office are still banking on a quarterback who has been sidelined for the past two years.

Sanders finished the 2025 season with a 3-4 record as a starter. The second-year signal-caller made strides in his development and created a lot of buzz. However, questions arise about his ability to be a full-time starter in the NFL. 

With Gabriel likely to be traded, the Browns have to decide whether to build around Watson’s contract and injury history or move on to Sanders as their franchise quarterback going forward. 

Read more at Quarter Back Central!

Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Rishab Nandi