After a lackluster rookie season, Dillon Gabriel found himself sidelined from the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback race. Now, an insider has weighed in on his trade and the reasons behind it.

“The Browns should look to trade Dillon Gabriel before camp,” Zac Jackson of The Athletic wrote. 

In his analysis, Jackson noted that the Browns’ QB1 race concerns just two: Deshaun Watson, who appears to lead it, and Shedeur Sanders. The franchise added another name to their QB depth chart, Taylen Green, as a backup, scarred by the recent history of injury at that position. 

The Browns’ QB room is crowded, and there are “only so many reps to go around in training camp.” However, there is another reason why the Oregon alumnus could be up for a trade.

“Gabriel was a third-round pick in 2025 and has the intangibles to be a decent long-term backup,” Jackson wrote in his May 21 analysis. “However, he doesn’t have the physical tools to be a starter and isn’t a great fit for Todd Monken's offense.”

At 5’11 and 205 lbs, Gabriel is the shortest and lightest among his Browns counterparts. Kristopher Knox of the Bleacher Report wrote that Gabriel’s accuracy and deep-ball issues were defining factors of his rookie season. 

Before a concussion ended his run last season, the 25-year-old managed 937 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. He played in 10 games before Sanders replaced him as a starter from Week 11.

Knox also opined that Gabriel’s trade might take place sooner rather than later, as seen with another QB.

“The Browns benching Joe Flacco in early October before trading him to the Cincinnati Bengals, Gabriel was thrust into action sooner than many most likely expected,” he wrote in his May 23 report.

If the Browns do trade Gabriel, it raises the question of how beneficial it could be for the franchise. The answer, however, is not thrilling. 

Trading Dillon Gabriel Would Give Minimal Returns

Rumors of the 2025 rookie have been circulating in the NFL community. One report drew parallels between two trades and a potential Dillon Gabriel deal, calling it unlikely to be a blockbuster.

“Unfortunately for the Browns, if they pursued a trade for Gabriel, the return might be minimal. One comparable prior trade might be Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks in 2024,” Dave Holcomb wrote for Heavy on May 23.

The Washington Commanders traded Howell, a quarterback, in a draft pick exchange. In return, they gained a round with two different selections. In August 2024, the Tennessee Titans traded former third-round quarterback Malik Willis after “two disappointing campaigns.” In exchange, they received a seventh-round choice. 

Since Gabriel has played in one season, with a decent touchdown-to-interception ratio, his value can not be placed yet. However, he could result in a late pick or a better draft value. So, should the Browns trade him?

What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar