Dillon Gabriel's Role in Backup Spot for the Cleveland Browns

In the high-stakes world of NFL quarterbacks, the backup role is often overlooked—but for the Cleveland Browns, Dillon Gabriel has turned it into a position of quiet importance. Signed as a free agent in the 2024 offseason, Gabriel arrived with a reputation as a versatile, high-energy player fresh off a standout college career at Oklahoma and UCLA. Tasked with supporting starter Deshaun Watson and rookie standout Shedeur Sanders, Gabriel’s role goes far beyond just filling in during injuries. It’s about pushing teammates in practice, mastering the playbook to offer insights, and being ready to step onto the field at a moment’s notice. Dillon Gabriel's Role in Backup Spot for the Cleveland Browns explores how he’s embraced this under-the-radar position, the key contributions he’s made to the team, and why his presence has become a hidden asset for the Browns.

Gabriel’s journey to the Browns’ backup spot began with a focus on adaptability—an essential trait for any NFL backup quarterback. After a college career where he threw for over 14,000 yards and 119 touchdowns, Gabriel entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, but the Browns saw potential in his ability to thrive in different offensive systems. During training camp, he quickly impressed coaches by learning the Browns’ playbook in record time and adjusting his style to complement both Watson’s pocket passing and Sanders’ mobility. His first real test came in preseason, where he led the Browns to a come-from-behind win over the Chicago Bears, throwing for 185 yards and two touchdowns in the second half. “Dillon has a knack for making the most of every opportunity,” said Browns quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt. “He doesn’t treat preseason or practice like a warm-up—he treats it like a game, and that’s exactly what we need from a backup.” Gabriel’s preseason performance solidified his spot on the roster, earning him the trust of the coaching staff to handle critical reps when Watson or Sanders need rest. Dillon Gabriel's Role in Backup Spot for the Cleveland Browns notes that his ability to adapt to different roles—whether simulating opposing quarterbacks in practice or leading the second-team offense—has made him indispensable.

A day-to-day look at Gabriel’s role reveals a mix of behind-the-scenes work that keeps the Browns’ quarterback room sharp and ready. Each morning, he arrives at the facility an hour early to review film with Van Pelt, breaking down opposing defenses and identifying potential weaknesses that the first-team offense can exploit. During practice, he often lines up with the second-team offense, but his most valuable contribution comes in “look teams”—where he mimics the playing style of the Browns’ upcoming opponents’ quarterbacks. For example, when preparing to face the Baltimore Ravens, Gabriel studied Lamar Jackson’s scrambling tendencies, replicating his movements in practice to help the Browns’ defense prepare for Jackson’s elusive play. Off the field, he acts as a bridge between Watson (a veteran) and Sanders (a rookie), sharing insights from his college experience while learning from Watson’s NFL expertise. “Dillon is like a glue guy,” said Sanders. “He’s always asking questions, but he’s also quick to share what he knows. He makes our quarterback room feel like a team, not just a hierarchy.” Gabriel also spends time working with the wide receivers and tight ends after practice, running extra routes to build chemistry—ensuring that if he ever has to start, the offense won’t miss a beat. Dillon Gabriel's Role in Backup Spot for the Cleveland Browns emphasizes that these small, consistent efforts add up, creating a more cohesive and prepared quarterback unit.

For the Cleveland Browns, Gabriel’s role as a backup has become even more critical during the regular season, especially when injuries or rest days call for him to step into the game. In Week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Watson left the game briefly with a minor ankle tweak, and Gabriel stepped in to lead two drives. Though he didn’t throw a touchdown, he completed 5 of 7 passes for 45 yards, including a key third-down completion to tight end David Njoku that kept a drive alive and helped the Browns maintain their lead. Later, in Week 16 against the Houston Texans, with the Browns already clinching a playoff spot, Gabriel got the start in the fourth quarter, leading the team to a field goal and preserving the starters’ energy for the postseason. “Having Dillon ready to go gives us peace of mind,” said Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. “When you’re in a tight game or dealing with injuries, knowing you have a backup who can step in and execute is a huge weight off everyone’s shoulders.” For the Cleveland Browns, Gabriel’s ability to perform under pressure—even in limited reps—has turned him into a safety net, allowing the team to manage the workload of Watson and Sanders without sacrificing performance. Dillon Gabriel's Role in Backup Spot for the Cleveland Browns notes that his calm demeanor during these moments has also earned him the respect of his teammates, who know they can count on him if the game is on the line.

The Cleveland Browns’ coaching staff often highlights Gabriel’s leadership as a key part of his backup role—even when he’s not the one taking snaps on Sundays. In team meetings, he’s quick to ask questions that spark discussions, helping the entire offense gain a deeper understanding of the playbook. During practice, he cheers on his teammates from the sidelines, offering encouragement to young receivers after a dropped pass or congratulating the offensive line on a big block. His leadership was particularly evident during a rough stretch in October, when the Browns lost two games in a row. Gabriel organized an optional practice session for the offense, leading reps and reviewing film to help the team bounce back. “Dillon doesn’t let the team get down,” said offensive lineman Joel Bitonio. “He’s always positive, always pushing us to be better, even when he’s not the one in the spotlight.” For the Cleveland Browns, this kind of leadership is invaluable, as it helps maintain team morale and keeps the offense focused on improvement. Gabriel also serves as a mentor to the Browns’ third-string quarterback, a rookie undrafted free agent, sharing tips on how to navigate the NFL and handle the pressures of being a backup. Dillon Gabriel's Role in Backup Spot for the Cleveland Browns explores how his leadership extends beyond the quarterback room, making him a positive influence on the entire team.

Looking ahead, Gabriel’s role in the backup spot for the Browns could evolve as the team continues to build for the future—but his commitment to the position remains unwavering. With Watson under contract for several more years and Sanders viewed as the franchise’s long-term future, Gabriel understands that his time as a starter in Cleveland may be limited. Still, he’s focused on making the most of his current role, using each practice and rep as a chance to grow. “I don’t think of this as a ‘backup’ job—I think of it as a ‘team’ job,” Gabriel said in a recent interview. “If my job is to push Deshaun and Shedeur, to help the defense prepare, to be ready if called upon, then I’m going to do that to the best of my ability.” For the Cleveland Browns, keeping Gabriel in a backup role also offers flexibility: his versatility means he can be used in special packages (like read-option plays) to add a new dimension to the offense, and his knowledge of the playbook makes him a valuable asset in game planning. As the Browns head into the playoffs, Gabriel’s role will only grow in importance, as the team looks to avoid the quarterback injuries that have derailed past postseason runs. Dillon Gabriel's Role in Backup Spot for the Cleveland Browns concludes that while Gabriel may not be the name on the front of the jersey, his contributions are essential to the Browns’ success. In the NFL, a great backup can be the difference between a good team and a great one—and for the Browns, Dillon Gabriel has proven he’s exactly that.