March 8, 2026, 7:48 p.m. ET
As the 2026 NFL Free Agency period is set to begin on Monday, the Cleveland Browns and general manager Andrew Berry will look to revamp the roster prior to the 2026 NFL season.
One of the main position groups that continues to gain attention from the national media is the organization’s quarterback room, which is full of question marks. With veteran Deshaun Watson slowly making his return from injury and 2025 fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders showing flashes throughout his rookie season, the quarterback competition is seemingly between the two playmakers leading up to training camp.
However, there is another quarterback on the roster in 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, who was one of three players to start for the struggling franchise. But unfortunately for the 25-year-old, he may not receive the opportunity to start again for Cleveland.
According to Browns’ insider Mary Kay Cabot, Gabriel is “not really in the mix to start for them,” during the upcoming NFL season.
“I know the Browns still like Gabriel and believe he has good upside potential,” Cabot wrote. “But he’s started six games for them and he’s not really in the mix to start for them this season. If they don’t trade him, which they’re open to, they keep him as a developmental QB on a rookie contract who can start games for them if necessary.”
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Gabriel, a former Oregon Duck standout, was the Browns’ first quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite Berry ultimately taking Sanders in the fifth round. As a rookie, he went on to play in 10 games for the Browns, while starting in six of the contests. Despite all the offensive woes he encountered, Gabriel managed to throw for 937 yards and seven touchdowns, while completing 59.5 percent of his attempts.
While former head coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear that Gabriel would receive the first starting opportunity between him and Sanders, the young playmaker suffered a concussion during the team’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury would eventually prompt Sanders to officially hold the QB1 title for the remainder of the season.
Now, with Cleveland rumored to be shopping for a veteran quarterback this offseason, it would make sense for Berry to cut ties with his second-year player.
One team that could be interested in Gabriel’s services next season is the Atlanta Falcons, as Stefanski was named the head coach earlier this offseason. The Falcons are expected to part ways with Kirk Cousins, which could leave an open spot for Gabriel to reunite with his former head coach.