Dillon Gabriel's tenure with the Cleveland Browns may be short-lived. After just one season, reports suggest the team is already weighing its quarterback options due to his lackluster performance. This puts Gabriel's future in doubt as the NFL draft approaches.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, the Browns are finding Gabriel surplus to their needs due to his lackluster performance.

"I know the Browns still like Gabriel and believe he has good upside potential. But he’s started six games for them and he’s not really in the mix to start for them this season."

Despite a promising start, Gabriel found himself slipping to second choice to fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders after a concussion sidelined him in the 2025 season. This decision by the Browns is also backed by the fact that Sanders' quarterback record of 3-4 is simply superior to Gabriel's 1-5. His performance also stagnated, with 937 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Now with the change in leadership, Gabriel's days in the Browns' ranks may be numbered. Cabot thinks the Browns might be looking for a different offensive shape under new head coach Todd Monken.

“Maybe Todd Monken has seen enough of [Gabriel] in what his scheme would be for a guy like that … [and] they would consider moving him. In that scenario, then you maybe go out and find another developmental guy."

If the Browns draft a new quarterback in April, trading Gabriel may be their best option.

The Cleveland Browns Only Have a Few Options in Quarterback

Finding a suitable replacement at quarterback will be challenging, but not impossible for the Browns.

ESPN analyst Daniel Oyefusi suggests that the Browns can make a trade for the Indianapolis Colts' Anthony Richardson, who has a higher skill ceiling and will cost the Browns next to nothing.

"A team that trades for Richardson might not need to give up much in terms of draft compensation, and the acquiring club would have to pay only a $1.145 million base salary, plus a $4.24 million roster bonus that is due in August."

Alternatively, Gabriel might not be traded. In such a case, Cabot said, "If they don’t trade him, which they’re open to, they keep him as a developmental QB on a rookie contract who can start games for them if necessary."

Who do you think they will bring on? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sayantan Gayen

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar