The Cleveland Browns could be heading toward another major quarterback change before the 2026 season reaches its midpoint. Mike Florio believes Dillon Gabriel could eventually replace both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders as Cleveland searches for its long-term answer.

Florio pointed to a moment during training camp when Gabriel was earning additional opportunities. It was Gabriel’s preseason finale that changed the conversation again. Florio believes that performance could eventually force Cleveland to reconsider its quarterback hierarchy.

“I think it's going to be Dillon Gabriel by Week 10. Give me Dillon Gabriel by Week 10. Just pasta and meatballs. Basing it on there was a moment in training camp where he was earning more reps.”

That prediction would represent a significant change for a Browns team already facing plenty of uncertainty at quarterback. Gabriel could get his opportunity sooner than expected if Watson and Sanders fail to establish themselves.

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders Face Pressure in Cleveland

Watson entered the season under intense scrutiny after Cleveland chose him over Sanders for the starting job. That decision frustrated some Browns fans, particularly with Sanders becoming one of the most discussed rookies during the offseason.

Monken has remained firm that the quarterback decision belongs to the coaching staff. He previously emphasized that players do not decide who takes the field, leaving those decisions to the coaches.

Florio now believes Sanders could eventually be judged as unsuitable for the Browns’ long-term plans. If that happens, Gabriel could receive a genuine opportunity to prove whether he can become Cleveland’s quarterback for 2027.

Written by

Joseph Nithin