The Cleveland Browns are heading into the offseason with a mission: clarity in the quarterback room. With new head coach Todd Monken at the helm, the team is expected to reset the depth chart-and that could spell the end of Dillon Gabriel’s short stint in Cleveland.
Gabriel, a third-round pick just last year, started six games as a rookie but may already be on the outside looking in. Reports suggest the Browns are leaning toward releasing him this summer, especially if they designate him a post-June 1 cut. That move would free up roughly $1.1 million in cap space-modest savings, but every dollar counts for a team with serious salary cap challenges.
While nothing is set in stone just yet, the writing may be on the wall. Zac Jackson reported that the Browns are likely preparing for a quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and potentially another mid-round rookie pick. In that scenario, Gabriel becomes the odd man out.
Still, Monken isn’t rushing the decision. Gabriel’s contract is manageable, and with training camp still months away, there’s time to evaluate the entire group. Expect the Browns to take a long look at everyone before making any final calls.
It’s worth noting that Gabriel is signed through 2028, so the team has some flexibility. But with Sanders also in the mix-after the Browns drafted both quarterbacks last April-it’s hard to imagine both sticking around, especially when Cleveland seems poised to reshape the position.
Meanwhile, the Browns are juggling more than just quarterback depth-they’re staring down a massive cap number tied to Deshaun Watson. Watson is set to count nearly $81 million against the cap this season, a figure that’s nearly impossible to work around.
Cutting him isn’t financially viable, so the front office is exploring a contract extension through 2027 to help spread out the hit. That would buy them some breathing room and give Watson time to bounce back from his Achilles injury.
Cap space is tight across the board, and that’s going to limit Cleveland’s ability to be aggressive in free agency. As a result, the team is expected to lean heavily on the NFL Draft to fill roster holes-especially at quarterback.
The Browns hold two first-round picks: No. 6 overall and No. 24, the latter acquired in a trade with Jacksonville. The problem?
Most analysts agree there’s only one surefire franchise quarterback in this year’s class-Fernando Mendoza-and there’s no guarantee he’ll still be on the board when Cleveland picks at No. 6.
If Mendoza’s gone, the Browns could pivot to Alabama’s Ty Simpson, who’s drawing interest as a potential first-rounder. Simpson checks a lot of boxes for Monken’s system-he’s mobile, productive, and comfortable making plays outside the pocket. He threw for nearly 3,600 yards in the SEC last season despite having just 15 college starts under his belt.
But Cleveland isn’t the only team eyeing Simpson. The Rams and Steelers are reportedly in the mix as well, and they could swoop in before the Browns are on the clock at No.
- That kind of competition puts real pressure on Cleveland’s front office to get their quarterback plan right-and quickly.
Bottom line: the Browns are in the middle of a quarterback overhaul. Between Watson’s contract, Gabriel’s uncertain future, and the looming draft decisions, there’s a lot to sort out.
Monken wants a room with direction and purpose. Now it’s up to the front office to give him one.