Dillon Gabriel may not have changed the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback hierarchy, but he certainly made the team’s final roster decision much more complicated.The rookie quarterback delivered the most impressive performance of any Browns passer this preseason during Thursday’s 37-13 victory over the New England Patriots. Browns starting QB Deshaun Watson walks back controversial comments: ‘I’m human’Gabriel started the game and played only the first half, but he made every minute count, completing 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns.Gabriel finished with a remarkable 157.9 passer rating while leading Cleveland on five scoring drives. Two of his touchdowns went to Luke Floriea before he connected with Ahmani Marshall for another score.The performance was particularly significant because Gabriel hasn’t appeared to be a major part of Cleveland’s quarterback competition. The Browns have reportedly settled on Deshaun Watson as their starter, with Shedeur Sanders positioned behind him on the depth chart.That decision hasn’t stopped questions from emerging after Gabriel’s outstanding showing.Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III was among those who immediately reacted. Griffin argued on social media that Gabriel’s performance exposed how little of a genuine opportunity he’d received during the Browns’ quarterback competition.”Dillon Gabriel is making a mockery of the Cleveland Browns QB competition,” wrote Griffin.“3 TDs in the first half. The competition was never fair to him. It’s why I said this offseason he needs a fresh start with a team interested in developing him to see if he can be a starter in the NFL.”Gabriel also received significant praise from Browns head coach Todd Monken. The coach pointed to the quarterback’s preparation, understanding of the offense and confidence, suggesting Gabriel operates the system almost like a coach himself.Despite those glowing comments, Monken doesn’t appear ready to change Cleveland’s plans.Gabriel’s performance creates a difficult roster callThat leaves Gabriel facing a difficult situation despite putting together the best preseason performance by a Cleveland quarterback.The Browns currently have four quarterbacks competing for roster spots: Watson, Sanders, Gabriel and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green. Keeping all four would require Cleveland to dedicate an additional spot on the 53-man roster, something the coaching staff may not want to do.However, cutting either Gabriel or Green…
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2026-08-28 19:29:25
