After the Cleveland Browns traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick, it cleared the way for Dillon Gabriel to cement himself as the backup behind Joe Flacco.
Obviously, the Browns feel good about their rookie out of Oregon; otherwise, they wouldn't have gotten rid of their insurance policy in Pickett. But do they feel Gabriel is ready to start, given the opportunity?
Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com thinks they do, and the former Heisman finalist may have a chance to play sooner than expected.
Mary Kay Cabot Believes We May See Dillon Gabriel Sooner Than Expected
While the 40-year-old Flacco had a great season for the Browns two years ago, guiding them to a playoff berth, it's no guarantee he's able to replicate that success for his second stint in Cleveland.
"If it’s going well and the Browns are scoring points, Flacco will continue on. But if he’s turning the ball over or taking sacks, the Browns will hand the reins to Gabriel without hesitation. They loved what they saw of Gabriel in camp and preseason games, and won’t hesitate to start him even if it’s early in the season." Wrote Cabot.
She also added that the Browns' other rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, may get some run as well down the line.
"As for Sanders, he’ll also get some live action this season, but probably not until later in the season when he’s more seasoned."
All in all, this is good news for Gabriel, as the Oregon Duck will have first crack at Cleveland's starting gig ahead of Sanders. He has the opportunity to take the job and run with it, and if he's playing well enough, he won't even give the former Buffalo a chance to see the field.
Regardless, we'll have to wait and see if Flacco falters first before any rookies line up under center in Cleveland.