Dillon Gabriel Is Quietly Crashing the Browns' Quarterback Battle

The two-headed Cleveland Browns quarterback competition may be getting a third member, if Dillon Gabriel keeps having the camp he has.

The second-year quarterback, who had the Browns' starting role then lost it to Shedeur Sanders at the end of 2025, opened up about trying to fight his way into the Browns' competition.

First-year coach Todd Monken effectively confirmed the starting-QB role will be either Deshaun Watson's or Sanders' in 2026. But Gabriel, who was picked in the third round before Sanders was chosen in the fifth round, has pushed his way into the debate.

Dillon Gabriel is Focused on 'Mastering What I Can' in Todd Monken's Offense

At 5-foot-11, Gabriel is undersized and is coming off a subpar year where he only averaged 153 yards per start, despite throwing seven touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Coach Todd Monken confirmed Gabriel is earning extra reps at Browns practice and closing in on Sanders and Watson. But Gabriel is trying to stay focused on what he can control.

"I’m really just focused on mastering my reps," Gabriel said.

Gabriel said he felt calmer in Year 2 as an NFL player, even though he is slated to start the year as the No. 3 quarterback again, which he was behind Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett at this time last year.

But Gabriel was asked if he feels slighted or disrespected by not being included among the competition.

"Never disrespected," Gabriel said. "I don’t take things personally, it’s a business. I’m focused on what I need to do to get better, and that’s all I’m focused on. I’m present with that.

"Day to day, [it 's] just a lot easier, and knowing when to put what time and energy into."

Dillon Gabriel Likes Todd Monken's 'Creativity'

Monken may be a rookie NFL coach, but he is 60 years old. He has been a head coach in college, spending three years at Southern Mississippi, which means he could be labeled as set in his ways.

But Gabriel has appreciated Monken's flexibility.

"For an older coach, it’s pretty cool to see Coach Monken be open to creativity and flexible that way," Gabriel said. "I think sometimes you can get the label as an old coach that you’re stuck in your ways, but he’s been very adaptive. I would just say he’s very creative."

Despite the competition, Gabriel feels good about where he is.

"I’m just focused on right now, I’m in a good spot mentally," Gabriel said. "Like I said, I know what I need to do to be at my best and then we ball."