The Cleveland Browns made a decisive move Wednesday, officially naming rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel as their starter.
Veteran Joe Flacco slides into the backup role while Shedeur Sanders remains in the third spot, drawing attention for unusual exchanges with the media.
Gabriel, a third-round selection in April, was not expected to see the field this early in his career. Circumstances changed quickly as Flacco’s struggles, particularly his lack of mobility, left him vulnerable behind a line already missing both starting tackles.
The Browns opted for a change before their overseas trip to London, where they will face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Gabriel’s first snap will mark an unprecedented moment in league history, making him the first quarterback to debut as a starter in an NFL International Series game, according to Andrew Siciliano.
Dillon Gabriel will be the first QB in @NFL history to make his first career start in an International Series game
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) October 1, 2025
The challenge is steep, but Cleveland hopes the 24-year-old can provide a much-needed lift to an offense that has sputtered throughout the season.
Gabriel’s unique debut comes with history, risk, and immediate tests
Making a first start on the road is already a major hurdle, but doing so outside the United States adds another layer of difficulty. The Browns’ new starter, however, enters with an unusual level of experience for a rookie.
Gabriel spent six years in college football, playing at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. He left the NCAA with 63 career starts, the most by any quarterback in FBS history, and accounted for 189 total touchdowns.
He also finished tied with Case Keenum for the most passing touchdowns in FBS history at 155.
Cleveland believes that experience can help against a Brian Flores-led defense that thrives on confusing quarterbacks. The Vikings recently held the Pittsburgh Steelers to 313 yards in a narrow 24-21 defeat.
For the Browns, timing complicates matters further. The team will return from London without a bye week and immediately prepare for a divisional matchup against the Steelers. That means Gabriel’s introduction will be followed by a short turnaround before his first rivalry start.
Meanwhile, the Vikings have been overseas for a full week after facing Pittsburgh in Dublin, leaving Cleveland with yet another uphill climb.
Still, the Browns hope Gabriel can bring stability to a quarterback room that has been unsettled since 1999 and give fans something more than just another name on the infamous jersey.