While headlines on Wednesday centered around Shedeur Sanders taking reps at Cleveland Browns OTAs, the more pivotal development came off the field.
Cleveland announced the signing of rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, their third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. As of now, terms of Gabriel‘s deal remain undisclosed.
With Deshaun Watson still recovering from injury, and veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett offering uncertainty at best, the Browns’ quarterback depth has drawn scrutiny.
Though Sanders‘ name grabbed national attention throughout the pre-draft process, Cleveland surprised many by selecting Gabriel at No. 94 overall-well ahead of Sanders, who didn’t come off the board until the fifth round.
Gabriel‘s college resume spans six seasons and three programs-UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. Despite suffering a clavicle injury at UCF, he evolved into one of the most consistent and productive signal callers in college football. Across his career, Gabriel posted a 46-17 record as a starter and showed notable adaptability in learning new systems.
A tale of two rookie quarterbacks in Cleveland
What distinguishes Gabriel from Sanders, and may have helped his draft stock, is his familiarity with adjusting to new environments. In contrast, Sanders has spent his football life under the guidance of his father, Coach Deion Sanders, from high school through college. That continuity could be viewed as both a strength and a limitation, depending on perspective.
Recent reports suggest Gabriel may already be climbing the Browns’ depth chart, pushing for the QB2 role behind Pickett. His early progress in learning yet another new offense – the fourth in five years – is earning him respect inside the facility.
That said, the quarterback competition remains fluid. Sanders, Pickett, Gabriel, and Flacco all remain in contention for depth chart movement as the summer unfolds. But with his rookie deal now finalized, Gabriel can shift his focus entirely to football.
Gabriel becomes the third rookie from Cleveland’s 2025 class to sign, joining first-rounder Mason Graham and fellow third-rounder Harold Fannin Jr.
Below is a look at the Browns’ full draft class and their contract statuses:
- Round 1, No. 5 (from Jaguars): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (signed)
- Round 2, No. 33: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
- Round 2, No. 36 (from Jaguars): Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
- Round 3, No. 67: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green (signed)
- Round 3, No. 94 (from Bills): Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon (signed)
- Round 4, No. 126 (from Vikings through Jaguars): Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
- Round 5, No. 144 (from Patriots through Seahawks): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
As the Browns prepare for a critical season, eyes will remain on how their unconventional quarterback room shakes out – and whether the early bet on Gabriel over Sanders holds firm.
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