Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Dilemma: Dillon Gabriel's Future in Question

The Cleveland Browns are actively reassessing their quarterback options as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft. New head coach Todd Monken is exploring potential upgrades, which may impact the future of Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick from the previous year. Gabriel's performance during his rookie season has raised concerns, leading to speculation about his trade value and the possibility of drafting another quarterback, specifically Drew Allar from Penn State.

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Dillon Gabriel's rookie season was marked by a lackluster performance, where he recorded 937 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions, finishing with a 1-5 record as a starter. His average of 5.1 yards per attempt ranked him 48th in the NFL, indicating a struggle to generate explosive plays. Despite these challenges, Gabriel is viewed by some within the organization as a solid backup heading into his second year. However, with Monken's arrival and the potential drafting of a new quarterback, Gabriel's standing is uncertain.

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The Browns hold two first-round picks and ten total selections in the upcoming draft, providing them with significant flexibility. Analysts suggest that if the team identifies a quarterback they believe can develop into a starter, Gabriel could be traded for a mid-round pick, possibly in the fifth or sixth round. Mary Kay Cabot, a Browns insider, noted that if the team finds a suitable option in Allar, they might consider trading Gabriel to recoup assets.

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Gabriel is not the only young quarterback in the mix; Shedeur Sanders, who took over as the starter midway through last season, also faces scrutiny. Sanders finished the year with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. Monken has expressed enthusiasm about working with both quarterbacks, emphasizing the need for competition in the quarterback room. "You’ve got two young players who still have a long way to go in terms of development," Monken stated, highlighting the learning curve both players face.

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Browns General Manager Andrew Berry emphasized the team's commitment to exploring all options at quarterback, stating, "We go into each offseason as if we have an expansion team." Monken echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the quarterbacks currently on the roster and the potential for improvement. "I can’t wait for them to get back and for us to get started," he said.

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Despite the optimism from the coaching staff, there are concerns regarding Gabriel's ability to compete effectively. Analysts have pointed out that his lack of explosive playmaking ability could limit his future with the team. Some believe that the Browns may ultimately decide to move on from Gabriel if they find a more promising option in the draft.

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As the Browns prepare for the draft, the focus will be on how they address the quarterback position. With the potential for trades and the drafting of a new quarterback, Gabriel's future remains uncertain. The decisions made in the coming weeks will significantly shape the team's offensive strategy and quarterback depth chart for the 2026 season.

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