Dillon Gabriel made a significant statement in his bid to remain with the Cleveland Browns, delivering a three-touchdown performance during the team's 37-13 preseason victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday.
Gabriel finished the first half with 186 passing yards, completing 12 of 15 attempts. The 25-year-old quarterback, who was selected by the Browns in the third round of the 2025 draft, started six games for the team last season. His role in the quarterback room had been a subject of discussion, particularly with Deshaun Watson named the team's starting quarterback for 2026 and second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders appearing positioned for the backup role.
Heading into training camp in June, head coach Todd Monken had commented on the team's quarterback depth, stating, "I think both quarterbacks have played well enough where we haven’t really been in pads. We haven’t played any games yet... Every day I kind of lean one way or the other with quarterbacks. I just tell you, we got two starting level quarterbacks. We really do."
During his rookie season, Gabriel accumulated 937 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions in 10 games. The Browns' record was 1-5 in the six games he started before he was replaced by Sanders after a Week 11 loss to the Ravens. According to Browns insider Tony Grossi, quarterback Taylen Green, who entered the game after Gabriel, may have a more secure roster spot due to his future potential, with Grossi noting before the game that Gabriel had "not looked great this whole summer."