Dillon Gabriel Rises to Backup QB for the Browns: The Shocking Shift in Cleveland’s Quarterback Drama!

The Cleveland Browns have made a significant move in their quarterback lineup, naming rookie Dillon Gabriel as the backup to Joe Flacco for the season opener.

This decision comes after Gabriel’s standout performances in the final two preseason games, which ultimately led the team to opt for three quarterbacks instead of four.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced the decision on Tuesday, shortly after the initial 53-man roster was finalized.

Gabriel, a graduate of Mililani High School, solidified his position as the second-string quarterback following the trade of Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders for a fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft.

Stefanski expressed confidence in Gabriel’s abilities, stating, “We feel comfortable with Dillon serving that role. Kenny’s a guy I think very highly of, and I wish him well. He’s a really good football player, but those are the type of decisions that you have to make.”

During the preseason, Gabriel demonstrated his potential by leading the Browns to either a touchdown or field goal on five of his seven drives.

He orchestrated two impressive two-minute drives in the first half against both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams.

In total, Gabriel completed 25 of 37 passes for 272 yards, tossing one touchdown while throwing one interception across his two preseason appearances.

Stefanski emphasized that the evaluation process for Gabriel extended beyond just his game performances.

“It’s such an all-encompassing evaluation. Everything the guys did in the games was important. We also saw a lot of them out here in practice and how they are at their craft,” he noted.

“He’s certainly somebody that we think is getting better and better.”

In contrast, Pickett did not participate in any of the preseason games due to a hamstring injury he suffered on July 26, limiting his opportunity to showcase his skills.

As a result, fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders will assume the third-string role and serve as the scout team quarterback.

Should the Browns decide to bring in another experienced quarterback, they have the option to do so via the practice squad.

One potential candidate is Tyler Huntley, who was released on Sunday but managed to appear in all three preseason games.

Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson continues to make progress in his recovery from Achilles tendon injuries but has been placed on the physically unable to perform list, leaving the team to rely on Flacco and Gabriel as they head into the season.

With Gabriel now positioned as the backup quarterback, the Browns are set for an intriguing start to the season.

Fans will be eagerly watching to see how this young talent performs in a critical role, especially considering the team’s recent roster changes.

As the Browns prepare for their opener, the dynamics of their quarterback situation will undoubtedly be a focal point, with Gabriel poised to make his mark in the NFL.