The Cleveland Browns could be one of the intriguing teams to watch this offseason.
Cleveland hired Todd Monken as their new head coach, as the Browns will now have an offensive-minded head coach to run their system. Yet, Cleveland still doesn’t have their answer at quarterback, but the team is expected to make one intriguing move.
Browns insider Zac Jackson of The Athletic believes Cleveland will likely trade Gabriel after his rookie season.
“Per the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, Monken and Sanders can’t talk about the playbook or other football matters until the start of the team’s formal offseason program in April. By then, the Browns will have assessed all outside quarterback options,” Jackson wrote.
“There could be an addition by a signing or trade. Gabriel could be dealt. If Monken and company decide on another option, it’s even possible that Sanders could be traded. But for now, that seems unlikely.”
The Browns selected Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he ended up becoming the team’s starter. However, he struggled down and was replaced by Shedeur Sanders, and now his future with Cleveland is up in the air.
Gabriel finished the year throwing for 937 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
Gabriel Was a Surprise Pick for Browns
Cleveland selected Gabriel 94th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, which was a surprise as it was considered a reach.
However, the Browns felt comfortable with Gabriel, as after the pick, general manager Andrew Berry defended the selection.
“We spent a lot of time with Dillon throughout this process, brought him in right after the combine, did obviously the private visit and workouts out in Eugene (Oregon),” Berry said. “Decorated college career, very accurate, very poised, throws with anticipation, good mobility. We just thought he had a really well-rounded game. …
“Yeah, you know, like I said, we really felt strongly about Dillon throughout this process,” he stated. “That’s not to say that we didn’t meet with other quarterbacks that we thought were really talented players and good people. But, we felt strongly about Dillon. We think he’s an excellent player and felt like he was the most appropriate player to pick.”
However, Gabriel struggled in the NFL, and after many people criticized the Browns for the pick, the lefty could very well be on a new team in 2026.
New Coach ‘Excited’ About Cleveland’s QB Room
The Browns introduced Monken as their new head coach on Tuesday, and he seems excited about the quarterback room.
Cleveland has Sanders, Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson all under contract for next season. Yet, it’s still uncertain if the team will add anyone else, but Monken said he likes the current group.
“Well, I think like any position on the team, that’s still to be determined. Am I excited about Shedeur, am I excited about all the quarterbacks in the room, am I excited to coach this football team? Absolutely. I can’t wait for them to get back and for us to get started.”
The Browns could still add another quarterback through the draft or free agency. But, if they don’t, Monken likes the group he has.
Browns Predicted to Make Intriguing Decision on QB Dillon Gabriel