The Cleveland Browns are making a major shift at quarterback and it's a major blow for Shedeur Sanders. Former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco will be benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
The move will take effect immediately with Gabriel set to start Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in London. The overseas start will mark a historic moment as he'll become the first quarterback in NFL history to make his debut start abroad.
The current belief is that the #Browns are going to make a change at quarterback and start rookie Dillon Gabriel this week vs. the Vikings, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/UKvkzazXWw
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 30, 2025
This decision comes on the heels of a frustrating 1-3 start for Cleveland. Coach Kevin Stefanski had been noncommittal about a change following last week’s 34-10 loss to the Detroit Lions, but Flacco’s continued struggles left very little choice. Out of 33 qualifying quarterbacks, Flacco ranks last in passer rating (60.3), completion percentage (58.1), and yards per attempt (5.1). His six interceptions are tied for the second-most in the league. The Browns offense have yet to score more than 17 points in a game and rank ahead of only the Tennessee Titans in total points scored.
Gabriel brings a wealth of experience to the table. The 24-year-old spent six college seasons at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, where he led the Ducks to the College Football Playoff’s No. 1 overall seed in 2024. He finished third in Heisman voting last year and set FBS records with 189 career touchdowns accounted for and 63 starts at quarterback. Cleveland selected him in the third round at No. 94 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. This came before trading up to snag Sanders in the fourth round at No. 144.
Gabriel’s patience in the pocket and accuracy will be key. Though questions remain about his arm strength and ability to consistently push the ball downfield. His mobility could prove valuable behind a Browns offensive line that ranks near the bottom of the league in pass protection. Expect Stefanski to lean more heavily on the run game with Quinshon Judkins and Jerome Ford while Gabriel gets comfortable.
While Gabriel’s opportunity is the story here, the ripple effects extend to Sanders. As the team’s emergency quarterback through the first four games, "Grown" was once considered a possible first round prospect. However, Sanders slid in the draft due to concerns about consistency. But his preseason flashes paved a way to making the Browns' final 53-man roster.
For now, Cleveland is committed to evaluating Gabriel. If he falters, Sanders could finally get his shot. Flacco’s benching all but assures that the organization’s focus has shifted to long-term development. Buckle up because the upcoming weeks could be interesting and add more intrigue before the bye in Week 9.
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