Full Breakdown
Browns Keep Dillon Gabriel After Drafting QB Taylen Green: Inside the Quarterback Competition
4/29/2026, 4:16:07 AM
Retaining Gabriel After Drafting Green
The Cleveland Browns announced they will keep third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel on the 53-man roster despite selecting dual-threat quarterback Taylen Green in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Gabriel will compete for the third-team quarterback slot while Green and veteran Deshaun Watson vie for the starter role.
Recent History & Draft Moves
Since 2024 the Browns have refreshed the QB room via the draft and by trading four QBs—Dobbs, Thompson-Robinson, Pickett, Flacco—for fifth-round picks that yielded Jamari Thrash, Tytus Howard and Justin Jefferson. In 2025 they added five new linemen and receivers KC Concepción and Denzel Boston.
Key Personnel
- Dillon Gabriel – 2025 third-round QB, 5-11 record, 205 passer rating.
- Taylen Green – 2026 sixth-round dual-threat, 6-6, 227 lb, 4.36-sec 40-yard dash.
- Deshaun Watson – veteran starter.
- Todd Monken – head coach.
- Andrey Berry – GM.
Timeline
2025: Dillon Gabriel drafted (3rd round); Pickett injured, Flacco traded, Gabriel starts, then concussed. 2026 (April 27): Taylen Green drafted (6th round). June 2026: Monken expects to name a starter after spring ball. Aug. 26: Roster cut-down, possible Gabriel trade.
Stats Snapshot
Gabriel posted 7 TDs, 2 INTs and an 80.8 passer rating (best among Browns QBs in 2025). Sanders had 7 TDs, 10 INTs (68.1 rating); Flacco 2 TDs, 6 INTs (60.3 rating). Green measures 6-6, 227 lb, 4.36-sec 40-yard dash. The O-line now has five starters; the receiving corps includes Concepción, Boston, Jeudy, Fannin Jr. and Bond.
Impact & Outlook
Keeping Gabriel offers a low-risk backup while the staff evaluates Green for “wildcat” packages. Gabriel also remains a tradeable asset that could fetch a fifth-round pick at the August cut-down. The competition forces the Browns to identify a clear starter, shaping the offense under Monken’s scheme.
Official Statements
GM Andrey Berry told reporters the team “has no plans to trade Dillon Gabriel after selecting QB Taylen Green.” Coach Todd Monken said the Browns will “run a separate set of offensive drills on an adjacent field to get our developmental quarterbacks plenty of work” and expects to name the starter by June. Cleveland confirmed three QBs will stay on the active roster, with a fourth on the practice squad.
Criticism & Trade Talk
Analysts warn the Browns may still need a veteran like Jacoby Brissett if injuries arise, and some argue that retaining multiple developmental quarterbacks strains the 53-man limit. Trade chatter persists that Gabriel could become a “fifth-rounder” at the August cut-down.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree Gabriel posted the highest passer rating among Browns QBs in 2025, but none disclose the final depth chart after spring ball, leaving his exact role uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “How the Cardinals handle the quarterback room will be quite interesting,” — Jason LaCanfora, SportsBoom
- “They’ll move Brissett by the deadline,” — Unnamed GM, quoted by LaCanfora
- “Watch.” — Unnamed GM, quoted by LaCanfora
- “Monken has said that while all four quarterbacks have a chance to compete for the job, there will be a depth chart, and reps will be divided accordingly.” — Todd Monken
- “Gabriel (5-11, 205) actually had the best rating of the three quarterbacks last season while trying to play clean ball.” — Cleveland Browns staff
What’s Next
The Browns aim to name a starter by the end of spring ball in June and set the final roster by Aug. 26. If Gabriel remains active, he could become a reliable backup or be traded for future draft capital. A mid-season veteran signing is a contingency for injuries or performance issues.
