The Cleveland Browns locker room is standing firm — at least one prominent starter doesn’t want to hear any talk about a quarterback controversy. Following growing chatter from fans and media about giving rookie Shedeur Sanders a chance under center, one veteran reportedly made it clear the team remains fully behind Dillon Gabriel.
“People need to stop trying to start something that’s not there,” the player told reporters this week. “Dillon’s our guy, and he’s earned that.”
Veteran starter says Shedeur Sanders shouldn’t start for Browns (Statement)
Sep 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on from he sidelines during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on from he sidelines during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
It is important that Gabriel be given a chance to reset during the bye week, according to seven-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Joel Bitonio:
“He’s going to keep improving. He’s had four games and some tough matchups. It’s not a one-person issue. We want to give our quarterback a chance. This bye week will give him a chance to reset and it will be good for his growth,” Bitonio told reporters.
“For a young guy in this league, four games is so minuscule on a big platform. We have to give him a chance to adjust and see what he likes. We have to go back, rewatch the games and see what plays we were successful with.
What does he like? Where does he like to move in the pocket? Where does he like to set up? All of those things are questions we have to answer. And as an offense, we want to perform better to give him a chance to truly be evaluated.”
The comments come after Cleveland’s offense sputtered in recent weeks, reigniting debate about whether the rookie out of Colorado should get his first NFL start. However, inside the building, the message appears unified: the Browns are not ready to make a change.
📊 Dillon Gabriel’s 2025 Season So Far
Games played: 7
Completion percentage: 64.8%
Passing yards: 1,512
Touchdowns: 9
Interceptions: 6
QBR: 87.3
Rushing yards: 138, 2 TDs
Gabriel, acquired in this year’s draft after a standout season at Oregon, has shown flashes of promise but also endured some growing pains as the Browns fight to stay in contention at 3-5.
🗣️ What’s Next for Cleveland
“When you lose like this, you have to look at everything … with a young quarterback, you know, you understand that there’s going to be ups and downs.” — Stefanski, Oct. 26, 2025.
Still, the noise surrounding Sanders won’t fade easily. As one of the most polarizing rookies in the NFL, his potential debut has become a headline waiting to happen — even if, for now, it remains only a hypothetical.
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