As the Cleveland Browns gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes are on their quarterback situation, where Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are taking distinct paths in their sophomore campaigns. Gabriel, a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, showcased potential last season with 937 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and just two interceptions. However, a concussion in Week 11 opened the door for Sanders, who stepped in and completed 56.6% of his passes, amassing 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
The Browns are yet to decide who will start come Week 1, but early indications suggest Sanders might have the upper hand. At the NFL’s annual league meeting, head coach Todd Monken noted Sanders' dedication, mentioning that he’s been a frequent presence at the Browns facility this offseason.
Gabriel, on the other hand, has been notably absent. “As far as I know, he has not [been here],” Monken shared.
Gabriel hasn’t publicly addressed his absence, leaving room for speculation.
This offseason promises a quarterback competition in Cleveland, though Monken clarified that reps won’t be evenly split. “The number of reps a player gets doesn’t eliminate competition,” Monken explained. “It’s about seeing quarterbacks in different groupings and finding who gives us the best chance to win.”
Adding another layer to the mix, Deshaun Watson is also in contention for the starting role. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam expressed optimism about Watson’s prospects, citing the fresh start and Monken’s offensive acumen. “Deshaun has a great chance,” Haslam remarked, highlighting Monken’s track record with diverse quarterbacks.
As the Browns navigate this intriguing quarterback battle, fans are eagerly watching to see who will emerge as the leader under center.