The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition is heating up, with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson vying for the starting role. However, a surprising contender has emerged: Dillon Gabriel, drafted two rounds before Sanders in 2025. Coach Todd Monken's recent comments suggest that Gabriel's performance is earning him more playing time, and he may be the dark horse in this competition.
Monken's statement, 'everybody’s competing, but you’re not guaranteed the same amount of reps,' highlights the competitive nature of the team. Gabriel's ability to maximize his opportunities has caught the coach's attention, and he's responded by giving Gabriel more reps. This strategy is a smart move, as it allows the team to evaluate Gabriel's potential without committing to a long-term decision.
Gabriel's performance in 2025, when he started six games and went 1-5, is a testament to his resilience. Despite the team's struggles, he has the opportunity to prove himself and potentially steal the job from Sanders and Watson. This scenario is not uncommon in the NFL, where players who start slowly can still make a significant impact.
What makes Gabriel's situation particularly intriguing is the potential for him to become the best performer. If he continues to improve and seize his chances, he could become the team's starting quarterback. This would be a significant development, as it would challenge the traditional power dynamics within the team and potentially shake up the league.
In my opinion, the Browns' strategy of keeping Gabriel in the competition is a smart move. It allows them to evaluate his potential without committing to a long-term decision. If Gabriel continues to perform well, he could become a valuable asset to the team and a potential star in the league. However, if he struggles, the team can still make a decision that is in the best interest of the team.
The Browns' quarterback competition is a fascinating development, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds. Gabriel's potential to become the starting quarterback is a significant story, and it will be a key factor in the team's success moving forward.
