NFL: New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns
Aug 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (6) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Dillon Gabriel’s reported place on the Cleveland Browns’ initial 53-man NFL roster has created uncertainty around rookie quarterback Taylen Green.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday, “Sources: Browns QB Dillon Gabriel is set to make Cleveland’s initial 53-man roster.” The move comes after Gabriel delivered his strongest preseason performance in Cleveland’s finale.
MORE: Todd Monken shares Browns’ QB dilemma after Dillon Gabriel shines
ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi explained the situation clearly. “Dillon Gabriel was firmly QB3 as the Browns’ QB competition centered around Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders,” Oyefusi wrote.
“But Gabriel drew praise from Todd Monken for his preparation after throwing 3 TDs in the preseason finale,” Oyefusi added. “Now we wait and see what happens with Taylen Green.”
Dillon Gabriel was firmly QB3 as the Browns’ QB competition centered around Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. But Gabriel drew praise from Todd Monken for his preparation after throwing 3 TDs in the preseason finale.
Now we wait and see what happens with Taylen Green. https://t.co/Vx80GxgJaI
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 30, 2026
Gabriel completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns against the New England Patriots. He finished the game with a 157.9 passer rating during Cleveland’s 37-13 victory.
That performance gave Gabriel an advantage in a crowded quarterback room. The Browns selected him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft after his record-setting college career.
Green faces a tougher path after being selected in the sixth round (182nd overall) this year. Cleveland reportedly wants to keep him, but finding a roster spot remains difficult.
Browns face difficult decision with Taylen Green
NFL: New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns
Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Taylen Green (15) at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot wrote Sunday, “Browns would like to keep 6th-round QB Taylen Green on the 53 today if they can find a way to do it.”
#Browns would like to keep 6th-round QB Taylen Green on the 53 today if they can find a way to do it.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 30, 2026
Green showed his athletic ability against New England. He completed five of seven passes for 27 yards while adding 66 rushing yards on eight carries.
His 30-yard scramble highlighted the mobility that separates him from Cleveland’s other quarterbacks. However, his limited passing production shows why the Browns could prefer Gabriel’s experience.
MORE: Shedeur Sanders’ brother Shilo takes high road after Browns’ Deshaun Watson decision
From a roster perspective, Cleveland must weigh immediate depth against long-term upside. Gabriel has already handled regular-season snaps, while Green remains a developmental project.
The Browns also risk losing Green if they expose him to waivers. Other teams could target a young quarterback with his athletic profile before Cleveland can bring him back.
That makes Gabriel’s reported roster spot important beyond the quarterback depth chart. His preseason performance may have saved his place, while Green’s future could depend on what Cleveland does next.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—