Dillon Gabriel

Gabriel is the backup QB in Cleveland behind Deshaun Watson. Without a clear path to consistent starting opportunities, his dynasty value is heavily dependent on Watson's injury history or team regime change.

Gabriel suffered a concussion in Week 11 and Sanders took over the starting job, never giving it back. Gabriel couldn't hold onto his starting job as Shedeur Sanders proved to be a better option for the offense.

Browns insider Zac Jackson reports Cleveland will likely trade Gabriel after his rookie season, making him the odd man out in a QB room with Sanders, Watson, and potentially a draft pick. His connection to fired coach Kevin Stefanski eliminates his internal advocate.

Gabriel is effectively QB3-4 in Cleveland behind Watson (who is getting first-team minicamp reps) and Shedeur Sanders, now also competing with R6 pick Taylen Green for the developmental roster spot. There is no realistic path to starts barring two injuries ahead of him.

Browns enter camp with four QBs (Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, rookie Taylen Green) and cannot realistically carry all of them; Gabriel reportedly received just three competitive reps in a Wednesday practice, signaling the battle is a two-man Watson-vs-Sanders race that leaves him on the cut/trade bubble.

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot specifically flagged Gabriel as potential 'trade currency around the Aug. 26 roster cutdown date.' With four QBs on the roster and Watson/Sanders leading the competition, Gabriel is on the roster bubble.

Deshaun Watson has a documented injury history; if sidelined for extended stretches, Gabriel could inherit significant starting opportunities and prove his value in a live game environment.

At 25 years old with limited NFL exposure, Gabriel still has developmental runway and could emerge as a competent starter if given extended playing time, making him a lottery-ticket hold for patient dynasty investors.

Multiple reports suggest Gabriel would benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. A trade to a QB-needy team could provide a clearer developmental path and renewed opportunity, though likely as a backup or camp competitor.

If cut at the Aug. 26 deadline, a 25-year-old QB with starting NFL experience (6 starts, 937 yards, 7 TDs) could attract interest from QB-needy teams as a QB2 or developmental starter — meaningfully more valuable dynasty-wise than being buried on Cleveland's bench.

Shedeur Sanders is a rookie entering a new scheme with a new coaching staff. A rocky start in 2026 training camp or preseason could theoretically reopen the competition, though current reporting suggests the Browns are committed to Sanders regardless of early bumps.

Gabriel's college pedigree (Big Ten MVP, FBS record 63 starts) and proven ability to manage a game could attract a QB-needy team's interest. A trade or post-cut signing with a team that values his experience would meaningfully reset his dynasty value.