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Cleveland Browns Announce Winner Of Backup Quarterback Competition

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 6:27 PM ET

With the preseason in the books, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has unveiled his quarterback depth chart for Week 1. As you'd imagine, fans were eager to find out who'll be the backup: Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders?

Sanders kicked off the preseason with an incredible performance against the Carolina Panthers, throwing for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He then took a huge step back in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, completing just 3-of-6 pass attempts for 14 yards. The 144th overall pick was also sacked five times for a loss of 41 yards. The coaching staff benched him for Tyler Huntley before the final two minutes of the game. It was a decision that left the Colorado product pretty frustrated.

"In the battle of the moment, in the heat of the battle, you want to be that alpha," Sanders told reporters. "You want to be that dog. You want to be out there in that final two-minute drive. So of course, small things, of course frustrate, but that’s what happens when you want to be a player to be able to change a franchise."

Gabriel, on the other hand, looked sharp against the Rams this past weekend. The third-round pick from Oregon completed 12-of-19 passes for 129 yards with a touchdown.

Who won the QB2 job for Cleveland?

On Tuesday afternoon, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Gabriel will be the team's primary backup behind Joe Flacco. He won the job in the preseason, completing an impressive 67.6% of his passes and averaging 7.4 yards per attempt.

Initially, Kenny Pickett was expected to be Cleveland's backup quarterback. However, he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick.

Even though Sanders has been listed as the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart, he'll be available for the Browns as their emergency option.

NFL fans approve of Kevin Stefanski's decision.

Some fans have accused the Browns of sabotaging Sanders in the preseason. That being said, there are plenty of people who believe Gabriel deserves to be QB2.

"Gabriel is a better backup because of how he operates in the structure of the offense with quick timing and discipline Shedeur has more of the playmaking ability you want in a starter Stefanski won’t have to change much of Flacco’s offense for Gabriel. He would for Shedeur," one person pointed out.

"We knew they preferred him coming out of the draft, and Shedeur lost any shot the Panthers performance gave him by getting thoroughly outplayed in Game 3," another person wrote. "I do believe both will see the field once the Browns are mathematically eliminated tho. Gabriel obviously first."

We knew they preferred him coming out of the draft, and Shedeur lost any shot the Panthers performance gave him by getting thoroughly outplayed in Game 3

I do believe both will see the field once the Browns are mathematically eliminated tho. Gabriel obviously first https://t.co/5p3mnI1ud6
— Nico (@elitetakes_) August 26, 2025

"They drafted Gabriel first, used more capital on him, he’s gonna get the benefit of the doubt first," a third person commented.

"Smart move by the Browns," a fan declared.

If Flacco gets hurt or underperforms this season, Gabriel will most likely get his chance to start for the Browns.

It's imperative the Browns find out if one of their rookie quarterbacks are capable of leading a franchise. After all, they might have a top-five pick in next year's draft.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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