Browns' reportedly have this plan for Dillon Gabriel, Taylen Green ahead of Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson competition

Dillon Gabriel was already viewed as the Cleveland Browns' third-choice option at quarterback behind fellow 2025 rookie Shedeur Sanders and veteran Deshaun Watson before the Browns grabbed Arkansas signal-caller Taylen Green in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

While Browns general manager Andrew Berry said over the weekend that "the current plan is that we would roll with those four" quarterbacks on the roster, some assume it's a matter of when and not if Cleveland will part ways with Gabriel. For an update shared on Monday, Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer suggested Gabriel may still have a future with the franchise. 

Why Browns aren't giving up on Dillon Gabriel after drafting Taylen Green

"They’re not keeping Gabriel on the roster just to trade him," Cabot said about the Browns. "The new coaching staff has liked what it’s seen of him so far this offseason, and believe he’s worth a longer look. With Green on board, those two will essentially vie for the developmental spot, while Watson and Sanders battle for the starting job."

Gabriel went 1-5 over six starts as a rookie before he suffered a concussion that ultimately presented Sanders with an opportunity to finish the campaign as Cleveland's QB1. Browns head coach Todd Monken insisted before the draft that the competition for the starting quarterback job isn't "a two-man race." However, Cabot's update would lead one to believe that Monken will only start Gabriel if disaster strikes the Browns later this year. 

When could Browns decide that Dillon Gabriel is surplus to requirements?

"Gabriel and Green should have plenty of chances to make their mark in the three preseason games," Cabot added. "The Browns plan to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster, with one on the practice squad. If they believe that Green, who started 46 games in college, is ready for a wildcat role, he’ll make the 53-man roster. Even if he’s not ready from the jump, the Browns probably can’t expose him to the waiver wire at the end of camp to get him on the practice squad."

Cabot was also sure to note that "Gabriel could be used as trade currency around the roster cutdown date on Aug. 26." Of course, Gabriel could rise up the depth chart later this summer if the often-injured Watson endures another physical setback before the Browns play in a meaningful game.