Cleveland Browns Approach Final Decision on Quarterback Dillon Gabriel

The Cleveland Browns have exactly one week remaining until they must reach a final verdict on quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and the outlook appears challenging for the 2025 third-round selection in Northeast Ohio. Gabriel began the current season on the injured reserve list after putting up a strong preseason performance against the New England Patriots on August 27.

Following his placement on the injured reserve list, media members and fans questioned whether the move was a strategic maneuver to retain Gabriel alongside Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and rookie Taylen Green while evaluating the quarterback room. The team officially opened Gabriel's 21-day practice window on October 6, establishing a deadline of Tuesday next week for a definitive roster choice.

Because Gabriel is healthy, the Browns cannot return him to the injured reserve list as a season-ending transaction. Consequently, the organization must decide whether to trade the quarterback, grant his release, or elevate him to the 53-man active roster.

A trade currently stands as the most probable outcome. Releasing Gabriel offers little logic given his age of 25 and his affordable rookie contract spanning four years and $6.2 million, which leaves him with legitimate trade value despite a challenging rookie campaign where he went 1-5 as a starter across 10 games with 937 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Carrying four quarterbacks through an entire season remains economically impractical for the Browns, making a spot on the 53-man roster unlikely for Gabriel. Concurrently, releasing him for nothing after spending a third-round selection on him a year ago makes little sense, positioning a trade as the logical path forward.

Potential trade partners could include the Atlanta Falcons, where former head coach Kevin Stefanski leads an offense that features Michael Penix Jr. Other possible destinations involve the Philadelphia Eagles following an injury designation for starter Jalen Hurts. Analysts suggest Cleveland could likely secure a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick in exchange for Gabriel.

In separate NFL developments, referee Shawn Smith is scheduled to officiate an upcoming matchup in Baltimore, ending a prolonged drought involving Cincinnati Bengals games. Smith has previously worked multiple contests featuring AFC North opponents, bringing a crew known for averaging 13.33 penalties per game into this weekend's slate of games.