Browns QB battle tracker: How Dillon Gabriel beat out Shedeur Sanders for backup role

David Suggs

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Browns QB battle tracker: How Dillon Gabriel beat out Shedeur Sanders for backup role image

Among all the sides searching for clarity in their quarterbacking situations in 2025, none have captivated NFL audiences quite like the Browns.

Such is life when Shedeur Sanders is involved. The Colorado alum is a lightning rod for attention of all sorts. His NFL prospects have waxed and waned throughout the preseason. During Cleveland's preseason finale vs. the Rams on Saturday afternoon, they reached an all-time low.

Sanders struggled during his final preseason appearance, falling victim to a bevy of sacks. Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel appear to be the beneficiaries of his toils, with both playing a sizable role in securing a 19-17 win for the Browns.

Flacco cemented his place at the top of Cleveland's QB ladder with his outing at Huntington Bank Field. Gabriel, meanwhile, landed the backup role. Sanders was relegated to third-string duty — a position he'll be in when the regular season starts, too.

Here's a breakdown of Cleveland's QB room in 2025.

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Browns QB depth chart

QBPlayer
1Joe Flacco
2Dillon Gabriel
3Shedeur Sanders
PUPDeshaun Watson

Flacco entered the final game of the season as Cleveland's unquestioned starter. Kenny Pickett appeared destined to be his understudy, though a hamstring issue and Gabriel's and Sanders' exploits made him expendable. He was shipped off to the Raiders on Monday evening.

Gabriel got his first taste of playing backup on Sunday afternoon. He enjoyed a far better performance than his showing during Week 2 vs. the Eagles.

With five QBs on staff during preseason, a cull always appeared likely for Cleveland. In the end, Pickett was dealt away and Huntley was released. Gabriel and Sanders kept their place on the 53-man roster, with Gabriel's superior overall showing giving him the No. 2 job over Sanders, who struggled mightily in his second appearance after playing well in his first.

MORE: Tracking the Browns' QB battle after second preseason game

Joe Flacco stats vs. Rams

  • Completions/Attempts: 9/10
  • Passing yards: 71
  • Touchdowns: 1
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Sacks: 1-9

Flacco put forth a strong display in Cleveland's final preseason fixture. He was efficient during his time on the field, overcoming a first-drive three-and-out to find to lead the Browns into the end zone.

Flacco completed 9-of-10 passes for 71 yards on Saturday afternoon. He added a score via a 15-yard pitch-and-catch with Harold Fannin, ending his day with aplomb.

Flacco was already named Cleveland's opening day starter. His showing on Saturday afternoon made it easy to see why. 

Dillon Gabriel stats vs. Rams

  • Completions/Attempts: 12/19
  • Passing yards: 129
  • Touchdowns: 1
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Sacks: 0-0

It took Gabriel some time to find his rhythm, but when he did, Cleveland's offense hummed.

Gabriel went 3-of-8 to start the game, struggling to hit his marks against Los Angeles' second-stringers. A dour display looked to be in the cards, but in the final two minutes of the first half, Gabriel found lightning. He spearheaded an 11-play drive in the quarter's final 1:48, accounting for all 86 yards. He tied up his splendid showcase with a three-yard score to Gage Larvadain.

Gabriel's final line reflected the dichotomous nature of his performance. He finished the day with 12-of-19 passing — 3-of-8 on his first drive, 9-of-11 on his last — for 129 yards and a touchdown. After an uneven day in Week 2, Gabriel returned with a flourish. His fellow first-year hurler couldn't say the same.

Shedeur Sanders stats vs. Rams

  • Completions/Attempts: 3/6
  • Passing yards: 14
  • Touchdowns: 0
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Sacks: 5-41

Sanders endured a nightmarish showing on Saturday afternoon.

The 23-year old's pocket presence waned at times during his time with the Buffaloes. He resorted to some ugly habits on Saturday night, absorbing five sacks in five drives. By comparison, Sanders only completed three passes.

Cleveland's offensive line looked lackluster for much of his outing. He didn't necessarily have the best tools at his disposal. But Sanders didn't do himself any favors. He held the ball too long on multiple occasions and struggled with accuracy throughout the day.

Sanders didn't get a lot of chances to flaunt his passing skills. Still, he seemed the most likely candidate to lead Cleveland down the field after Los Angeles took the lead with two minutes left — at least until Stefanski handed the keys to his offense to another passer hoping to lock up a place on the Browns' final roster: Tyler Huntley.

MORE: Why Browns are unlikely to cut Shedeur Sanders despite dismal showing vs. Rams

Shedeur Sanders vs. Dillon Gabriel preseason stats

Shedeur Sanders Dillon Gabriel
17-29Comp/Att25-37
58.6Comp. Pct.67.6
152Pass Yds272
2Pass TDs1
0INT1
7Sacks2

Sanders might have had a higher peak than Gabriel this preseason, but the Oregon alum remained fairly consistent across his two appearances, a welcome sight when compared to Sanders' paltry showing in Week 3.

While both Sanders and Gabriel made the 53-man roster, it's Gabriel who will get the initial crack at being Flacco's primary backup. That could change in a hurry once games start, but for now, Sanders will face an uphill battle for playing time.

David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.