Dillon Gabriel goes off for three-touchdown night in huge Browns statement in roster fight

Dillon Gabriel made his case to stay in the Browns’ quarterback room on Thursday.

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During the Browns’ 37-13 preseason win over the Patriots, Gabriel, who is still fighting for a backup spot, went off for Cleveland, finishing the first half with 186 passing yards — going 12-for-15 on his throws — and three touchdowns.

Gabriel, who started six games for the Browns last season after they selected him in the third round of the 2025 draft, could see himself out of Cleveland’s quarterback room altogether after Deshaun Watson was named QB1 to start 2026.

“What a great half, happy for him,” first-year Browns head coach Todd Monken told Amazin’s Prime Video at halftime. “Guys played well around him.

“Certainly took advantage of his opportunity.”

Fellow second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders appears primed to be the Browns’ backup, with many Cleveland fans upset that he lost out on the starting job to Watson.

Headed into training camp in June, Monken’s comments on the team’s quarterback situation appeared to leave out Gabriel altogether.

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“I think both quarterbacks have played well enough where we haven’t really been in pads. We haven’t played any games yet.” Monken said then. “Haven’t really got to that point yet. Every day I kind of lean one way or the other with quarterbacks.

“I just tell you, we got two starting level quarterbacks. We really do.”

According to Browns insider Tony Grossi, quarterback Taylen Green, who came in for Gabriel to start the third quarter on Thursday, could have a better shot to make the roster.

“I think Taylen Green’s roster spot is more secure than Gabriel’s is. Because of what he might mean in the future. Gabriel has not looked great this whole summer,” Grossi said on ESPN Cleveland before the game.

Gabriel, 25, had an up-and-down rookie season with the Browns, throwing for 937 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions in 10 games.

In Gabriel’s six starts, the Browns had a 1-5 record before he was benched for Sanders after Cleveland’s 23-16 Week 11 loss to the Ravens.

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