Browns Lock in Dillon Gabriel as Backup QB Behind Joe Flacco
The Cleveland Browns have officially set their quarterback lineup for the season. Veteran Joe Flacco will remain the starter, while rookie Dillon Gabriel has earned the role of backup quarterback.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski explained that the decision wasn’t just about preseason stats—it came down to preparation, consistency, and the way Gabriel carried himself both in practice and games.
Gabriel showed flashes of poise throughout the preseason. Against the Eagles, he led a smooth opening drive with accurate passing and third-down conversions. Against the Rams, he commanded a long 70-yard drive and capped off a two-minute drill with a touchdown. Mistakes were there, but his composure stood out.
Shedeur Sanders made plays as well, even throwing two touchdowns in his debut, but the coaching staff trusted Gabriel’s steadiness more at this stage.
👉 The Browns’ QB depth chart now looks like this:
- QB1: Joe Flacco
- QB2: Dillon Gabriel
- QB3: Shedeur Sanders
For Browns fans, it means if anything happens to Flacco, the team is ready to hand the reins to Gabriel—a young QB who’s already earned the coaching staff’s confidence.
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