Browns urged to make trade decision with Dillon Gabriel that's really their only option image
The Cleveland Browns drafted two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and now, over one year later, it's still uncertain if either is good. But the latter of the two, Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, is by far the better pick than Dillon Gabriel.
Taken in the third round by the Browns, Gabriel hasn't shown much of a ceiling in the NFL, as his starts for the Browns were low-floor, low-ceiling outings. Sanders at least had some high upside.
After drafting Taylen Green as a fun developmental QB in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns now have a big QB question. To resolve this, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report is urging the Browns to trade Gabriel, which is really their only option this offseason.
Browns urged to trade Dillon Gabriel as only real solution to QB problem
"Cleveland Browns: Trade QB Dillon Gabriel for a late 2027 pick," Moton writes. "... Assuming the Browns target signal-callers in the 2027 draft, they should trade Gabriel before Week 1."
The Browns don't really have a reason to keep Gabriel on their current roster, and the team's plans stand heading into the 2026 season.
It's hard to imagine the Browns not drafting a QB at the top of the 2027 NFL Draft next year in what's likely a loaded class. The only way they would refrain from doing so is if whoever their QB is this season has an All-Pro level season.
But, with Sanders only in competition with Deshaun Watson for the QB1 job in Cleveland, Gabriel is firmly third on the depth chart. Taylen Green might even factor into the QB room as a high-upside developmental option.
MORE: Browns’ Sheduer Sanders predicted to win QB battle during training camp
Considering all four on the roster, there is a very clear odd-man out, and it's obviously Gabriel, the Browns' third-rounder from the 2025 draft.
Watson has a massive contract and can't be traded, regardless of whether he's the starter or not. Sanders has much higher upside and might even win the QB job this season. Green was just drafted and has enough upside to keep on the roster.
Gabriel is the third QB at best, and doesn't have the same upside as the others. Since he's on his rookie deal for the next three seasons, and did at least have a decent floor, some team might have interest in him as a depth option.
Trading Gabriel is realistically the Browns' only option at quarterback this offseason, as, regardless of what happens with the QB competition, Gabriel is the odd man out both in the short and long term in Cleveland.
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