While the Cleveland Browns' QB battle has largely revolved around Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian confirmed that Daniel Gabriel is firmly in the mix.

While having a conversation with Beau Bishop and Nathan Zegura of the Cleveland Browns' YouTube show, quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian shared an update on the team's young QBs.

“I will speak to Shedeur and Dillon, who have been around all offseason. Um, you know, being pros, you know, I, I, I—they come in, and they've studied every night and morning, and they come in with an understanding of what we're about to do on a daily basis,” said Bajakian.

Speaking about the young QBs' progress on the Cleveland Browns Daily show, the coach said both of them have elite work ethic, bluntly adding that he's been blown away by Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.

“I've been impressed as heck with both of them, okay. With their work ethic, with their football knowledge, you know, I didn't know what to expect from either one of those guys. I'm blown away,” Bajakian expressed.

Despite earning high praise from the quarterback coach for his efforts and professionalism. Dillon Gabriel remained behind Sanders and Watson throughout the offseason practices.

At the voluntary minicamps back in April, Dillon Gabriel participated in all three days but was clearly third in the rotation.

Still, he has accepted his role and says he is focused on running his own race.

Dillon Gabriel focused on running his own race

Last year, Gabriel made six starts and completed just 58.9% of his passes while averaging only 5.1 yards per attempt.

Following a subpar season, he has been trying to make a comeback this year, but with the quarterback competition effectively down to two players, he has accepted reality.

“I’m just running my own race and focusing on what I can control, and that’s mastering my reps and doing it at a high level,” said Gabriel during the April minicamps, as per Scott Perak per Brownzone.

Back in April, Todd Monken clarified that this was not a two-man show, as the other QBs also had a chance to showcase their talents.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a two-man race. I would just say that at every position there’s competition. Irrespective of the reps that they get, everybody ought to be competing," Monken said.

However, despite the praise, there has been no talk of him being in the QB race so far. On top of that, his roster spot is also under pressure after the Browns drafted Arkansas QB Taylen Green in the sixth round of the 2026 draft.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote