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Browns predicted to trade Dillon Gabriel
The Cleveland Browns could use Dillon Gabriel as a trade chip to add another quarterback to their roster.
Cleveland is still searching for their franchise quarterback and will look at quarterbacks in the draft, free agency, and a trade. The Browns have been linked to plenty of quarterbacks, and NFL analyst Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut predicts Cleveland will trade Dillon Gabriel to the San Francisco 49ers.
Browns acquire:
49ers acquire:
Dillon Gabriel
70th overall pick (2026 third-round pick)
The proposed deal does make sense for both sides, as the Browns don’t give up a ton to take a flier on Jones to see if he can be a starting quarterback again in the NFL. San Francisco, meanwhile, gets Gabriel, who’s under contract for three more seasons on an affordable deal to be Brock Purdy’s backup and a third-round pick.
Jones entered the NFL in 2021 after being selected 15th overall by the New England Patriots. He was named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season. But he struggled in the next two seasons before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After serving as the Jaguars backup for a season, Jones signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the 49ers last offseason. Yet, with Jones in the final year of his deal, his name has come up in trade rumors.
As for the Browns, they would give up Gabriel, who’s clearly No. 3 on the depth chart now behind Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. And, Cleveland could very well add another quarterback this offseason, which makes him expendable.
Analyst Explains Jones-Gabriel Swap
Although the 49ers have said they won’t trade Jones, perhaps the right move will convince them.
Jones very well could be signing elsewhere next offseason, as he should be pursued to be a starter. So, Johnson believes giving the 49ers a cost-controllable quarterback and a Day 2 draft pick will be enough to bring Jones to the Browns.
“It’s going to take some real convincing for the San Francisco 49ers to make a Mac Jones trade,” Johnson wrote. “Kyle Shanahan has long admired him. And given how well the former first-round pick performed as a starter this past season when Brock Purdy was sidelined, Jones is even more valuable. With that said, the right offer can convince any team to move its backup quarterback. Especially given Shanahan’s track record with young signal-callers.
“In a move like this, the Cleveland Browns move off 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and trade their highest third-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Jones would provide legitimate competition for Shedeur Sanders in training camp. It’s also the type of young, experienced starter that the Browns can afford to bring in. Jones carries just a $3.98 million cap hit next season.”
Jones has thrown for 12,741 yards, 67 touchdowns, and 50 interceptions in his NFL career.
Browns Linked to Several QBs
Cleveland will be looking to add a quarterback this offseason.
The Browns have been linked to free agent quarterback Malik Willis. Meanwhile, the team could also pursue trades for C.J. Stroud or Kyler Murray.
As well, the Browns could use one of their two first-round picks on a quarterback like Ty Simpson.
Regardless, all signs point to the Browns adding another quarterback this offseason to compete for the starting job.