Dillon Gabriel's Path Forward Uncertain with the Cleveland Browns

In the ever-shifting landscape of NFL rosters, few players face more uncertainty than backup quarterbacks—especially those on teams with evolving quarterback rooms. For Dillon Gabriel, a first-year backup with the Cleveland Browns, that uncertainty has grown in recent months, as the team’s QB depth chart, offseason plans, and roster needs have left his role with the franchise up in the air. Gabriel, who signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2024 after a standout college career at Oklahoma and UCF, showed flashes of potential in preseason and limited regular-season snaps. But with questions about the team’s long-term QB strategy and upcoming roster cuts, his future in Cleveland is far from guaranteed. Dillon Gabriel's Path Forward Uncertain with the Cleveland Browns explores the factors clouding his future, from positional competition to roster economics, and what lies ahead for the young quarterback.

Dillon Gabriel's Path Forward Uncertain with the Cleveland Browns first became a talking point after the Browns’ Week 17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, where Gabriel got his first meaningful regular-season action. With starter Deshaun Watson sidelined by a shoulder injury and backup Joshua Dobbs struggling, Gabriel entered the game in the third quarter, completing 12 of 18 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown—enough to keep the Browns competitive but not enough to secure a win. While his performance drew praise from local analysts (who noted his poise under pressure and accurate short passing), it also raised questions about whether the Browns see him as a long-term backup or a disposable piece. “Gabriel did enough to show he can play in the NFL,” said Cleveland sports radio host Mike Polk Jr. “But does ‘enough’ mean the Browns will keep him around when they have bigger needs elsewhere? That’s the question.” The ambiguity was evident in post-game comments from head coach Kevin Stefanski, who called Gabriel “a solid young player” but declined to commit to his role next season. For Gabriel, the performance was a chance to prove himself—but it also highlighted how little control he has over his future with the team.

A key factor in Gabriel’s uncertain future is the Browns’ crowded quarterback room, which currently includes Watson (under contract through 2028), Dobbs (a pending free agent), and Gabriel. The team’s offseason plans will likely revolve around Watson, whose health and performance will dictate their QB strategy. If the Browns believe Watson can return to his 2020 form (when he led the Houston Texans to the playoffs), they may prioritize keeping a veteran backup like Dobbs—someone with more NFL experience—over Gabriel. Dobbs, who joined the Browns midseason in 2024, has played for five NFL teams and is known for his ability to step in quickly when starters go down. “Veteran backups are like insurance policies—teams value their experience,” said former NFL general manager Scott Pioli. “Gabriel has talent, but he doesn’t have Dobbs’ track record of staying ready. For a team like the Browns, which is trying to compete, that experience could matter more.” The Browns’ front office has also hinted at interest in drafting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, which would further crowd the room and push Gabriel down the depth chart. For Gabriel, this means his future may depend on whether the Browns choose to prioritize youth (him) or experience (Dobbs) at the backup spot.

A defining aspect of Dillon Gabriel's Path Forward Uncertain with the Cleveland Browns is the team’s upcoming roster cuts and salary cap constraints, which could force tough decisions about fringe players like Gabriel. The Browns are projected to have approximately \(22 million in salary cap space for 2025 (per Over the Cap)—enough to address key needs on the offensive line and defense but not enough to keep every player they’d like. As an undrafted free agent, Gabriel is on a one-year, \)750,000 contract with no guaranteed money—making him an easy candidate for release if the Browns need to free up roster spots or cap space. “Teams don’t lose much by cutting undrafted backups,” said salary cap analyst Joel Corry. “Gabriel’s contract is cheap, but his roster spot is valuable—if the Browns can use it on a player who fills a bigger need (like a backup offensive lineman or special teams contributor), they’ll likely do that.” The Browns’ special teams coordinator has also noted that Gabriel doesn’t contribute on special teams—a factor that often helps fringe players make rosters. For the Cleveland Browns, roster cuts are always about tough trade-offs, and Gabriel’s lack of special teams value and unproven NFL resume make him a vulnerable candidate.

Another layer of uncertainty for Gabriel involves the Browns’ long-term quarterback development strategy. While some teams invest in young backups as “quarterbacks of the future,” the Browns have historically favored veteran QBs, especially since signing Watson in 2022. Watson’s massive contract (a five-year, $230 million deal) means the Browns are financially committed to him as their starter for the foreseeable future—leaving little room for young QBs to develop. Gabriel, who turned 24 in December 2024, is at a stage in his career where he needs regular reps (either in games or practice) to improve. But with Watson taking most of the first-team reps and the Browns likely to prioritize a veteran backup, Gabriel may not get those opportunities in Cleveland. “Young quarterbacks need reps to grow—if Gabriel is stuck third on the depth chart, he’ll stagnate,” said former NFL quarterback and current analyst Trent Dilfer. “The Browns have to ask themselves: do we see Gabriel as a future starter, or just a stopgap backup? If it’s the latter, keeping him around doesn’t make much sense.” For the Cleveland Browns, this raises a bigger question about their QB pipeline—whether they want to develop young talent or rely on established veterans. Gabriel’s future may depend on how they answer that question.

As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, Gabriel’s best path forward may involve exploring opportunities with other teams, either via trade or release. While he has expressed a desire to stay in Cleveland (“I love this city and this team,” he said in a January 2025 interview), he also understands the reality of the NFL. “I want to play football—wherever that is,” he added. Several teams with quarterback needs (like the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Washington Commanders) have already shown interest in Gabriel, according to league sources. These teams may see him as a potential backup or even a developmental starter—roles that could give him the reps he needs to grow. For the Cleveland Browns, trading Gabriel could net them a late-round draft pick (a small return, but better than losing him for nothing in free agency) or help them address a roster need. Alternatively, releasing him would allow him to sign with a team of his choice—a move that could earn the Browns goodwill with other young players. “The NFL is a business, but it’s also about respect,” said Dilfer. “If the Browns don’t have a role for Gabriel, letting him go so he can find one elsewhere is the right thing to do.” For Gabriel, whether he stays in Cleveland or moves on, the key will be finding a team that values his talent and gives him a chance to prove himself.

Wrapping up, Dillon Gabriel's Path Forward Uncertain with the Cleveland Browns highlights the harsh realities of life as a fringe NFL player, where talent alone isn’t enough to secure a roster spot. Gabriel has shown he can play in the NFL—his Week 17 performance proved that—but his future depends on factors beyond his control: the Browns’ QB strategy, salary cap constraints, and roster needs. For the Browns, the decision about Gabriel will reflect their priorities: Do they value youth and potential, or experience and reliability? Do they want to build a QB pipeline, or rely on established stars? For Gabriel, the uncertainty is frustrating—but it’s also a reminder of why he loves the game. “Every day, I’m going to work like I’m the starter,” he said. “That’s all I can do.” Whether he’s wearing a Browns jersey next season or not, his work ethic and talent suggest he has a future in the NFL. And for the Cleveland Browns, letting him go could be a missed opportunity to keep a young, cost-effective backup—or a necessary move to build a roster that can compete for a championship. In the end, Dillon Gabriel’s path forward is uncertain—but it’s also full of possibility.