Browns analyst repeats wild Dillon Gabriel theory amid Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson competition

Earlier this summer, it was suggested that 2025 third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel could make things interesting regarding the competition for the Cleveland Browns' 2026 Week 1 starting quarterback job involving fellow 2025 rookie Shedeur Sanders and veteran Deshaun Watson.

For an update shared via X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday, Browns analyst Lance Reisland of the Cleveland Plain Dealer and 92.3 The Fan wrote that "the idea that Dillon Gabriel could emerge as the Browns’ starting quarterback isn’t as far-fetched as some people believe." 

Browns fans completely giving up on Dillon Gabriel this summer "doesn’t make much sense?"

"While I thought Shedeur Sanders did a much better job of impacting the football team during his opportunities," Reisland explained, "it’s important to remember that Gabriel dealt with many of the same obstacles (as a rookie): an inconsistent offensive line, a lack of a dependable running game, limited receiver production, young tight ends, and an offensive system that just seemed to be stuck and struggled with consistency, both moving the football and scoring points. ...Writing Gabriel off this early doesn’t make much sense. There’s a new offensive system. The offensive line has been addressed. The receiver room is deeper. The tight end room is deeper. (Running back) Quinshon Judkins gives the Browns another dynamic weapon in the backfield. This system is built on finding space and creating opportunities for playmakers."

How Gabriel did and/or didn't perform while going 1-5 over six starts as a rookie likely matters little as it pertains to Cleveland's ongoing quarterback battle. First-year Browns head coach Todd Monken had nothing to do with the team acquiring either Gabriel or Sanders in the spring of 2025, but Monken seemed to say plenty regarding his thoughts on the signal-callers via the coach's handling of springtime workouts.

Specifically, Zac Jackson of The Athletic mentioned on Wednesday that "Gabriel only got a handful of competitive reps on most spring practice days that were open to reporters." Jackson also said that "the Browns will only trade Gabriel if they feel they can get something of consequence in return" later this summer. 

Meanwhile, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer is among the Browns insiders who expect Sanders and Watson to take part in "a very heated battle" for the QB1 gig this summer. Unless either Sanders or Watson goes down with an injury, Gabriel will probably become a forgotten figure among casual Browns fans by the middle of August. 

Will Dillon Gabriel be given chances to win training-camp practice days?

"Personally, I’m not convinced this system is the best fit for Gabriel’s skill set, but NFL coaches are paid to adapt and maximize the talent they have," Reisland added. "Todd Monken and his staff have earned the benefit of the doubt, and training camp will give every quarterback another opportunity to prove what they can do. That’s why I’m looking forward to the next few weeks. Once the pads come on, the competition becomes real, and the best player will separate himself."

That's all well and good, but Watson and Sanders remain on track to hog the bulk of what would be considered meaningful practice reps. As of the morning of July 16, it's more likely Gabriel is with a different team than atop Cleveland's depth chart on Sept. 1.