Nov 16, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) warms up as offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and general manager Andrew Berry look on before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cleveland Browns Expected to Cut QB After Making Decision 1
The Cleveland Browns appear poised to make a difficult decision at quarterback, with Dillon Gabriel emerging as a potential casualty of a crowded position group. The former third-round pick faces an uncertain future as the team weighs its depth chart and prepares for the 2026 season.
Gabriel entered the NFL with significant expectations after Cleveland selected him in the third round of the 2025 draft. However, his standing within the organization has changed as competition has intensified, leaving him in a difficult position heading into final roster decisions.
Cleveland Browns, Dillon GabrielCleveland Browns, Dillon Gabriel
Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) drops back to pass during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
The biggest obstacle is the number of quarterbacks competing for limited roster spots. Gabriel has reportedly fallen behind Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, while rookie Taylen Green has added another young option to the equation, making it increasingly difficult for Cleveland to justify keeping everyone.
The situation became even more complicated after the Browns made their decision regarding the starting quarterback. With Watson positioned to receive the starting opportunity and Sanders also ahead of Gabriel, the former Oregon standout could find himself without a clear path to meaningful playing time in Cleveland.
NFL Analysis Predicts Dillon Gabriel Being Cut By Cleveland Browns Ahead of 2026 Season
Cleveland Browns, Dillon GabrielCleveland Browns, Dillon Gabriel
Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) throws a pass during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Gabriel is projected to be cut by his own team ahead of the upcoming NFL season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Gary Davenport for Bleacher Report.
Gabriel was a third-round pick of the Browns in 2025, but for better or worse he has clearly fallen behind Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson on the depth chart. With rookie Taylen Green also on the roster, it’s a numbers game—one Gabriel is losing.
This isn’t to say Gabriel won’t land with another team, or that he can’t carve out a lengthy career in the NFL as a backup quarterback. But it is becoming increasingly apparent that his next opportunity will come elsewhere.
That does not necessarily mean Gabriel’s NFL career is headed toward an abrupt end. His accuracy, mobility and experience could make him an attractive option for another team searching for quarterback depth, particularly if Cleveland ultimately releases him and allows him to enter the market.
For now, Gabriel’s situation illustrates how quickly circumstances can change for young quarterbacks in the NFL. If the Browns determine that their roster cannot accommodate him, his next opportunity could come elsewhere, where a different depth chart may provide the opening he needs to continue developing his career.