The Cleveland Browns are staring down one of the most intriguing quarterback dilemmas of the 2025 NFL offseason. With veteran names like Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett already in the mix, and two freshly drafted prospects—Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders—added to the fold, the Browns are overloaded at the game’s most important position. And now, all signs point to one reality: someone’s got to go.
Why Dillon Gabriel might be the odd man out
While the Browns selected Dillon Gabriel nearly 50 picks ahead of Shedeur Sanders in this year’s draft, draft order doesn’t always translate to roster security. As camps approach, speculation is growing that Cleveland may look to trade Gabriel rather than risk exposing him to waivers where another team would likely scoop him up for nothing.
The Browns' front office is reportedly weighing the possibility of flipping Gabriel in a pre-season deal. Doing so would not only free up a roster spot but also help recoup value for a player who may not crack the final depth chart. With most NFL teams desperate for even a serviceable backup, Gabriel could fetch interest from franchises looking to bolster their QB room.
But there's more at play than just numbers. Gabriel brings a dual-threat edge that makes him appealing to modern offenses. However, Shedeur Sanders brings buzz, branding, and the undeniable “star power” that makes it harder for a team to move on from him regardless of draft position.
Letting either rookie walk is risky. Both have developmental upside, and both could turn into long-term assets. But keeping four quarterbacks simply isn’t realistic in today’s NFL. Joe Flacco showed his value down the stretch last season, and Kenny Pickett still holds trade value of his own, though less than what a recent rookie might command.
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Chiefs eye future beyond Travis Kelce with potential trade for Raiders’ Michael MayerIf the Browns don’t act fast, they risk losing one of their young QBs to waivers with nothing in return. Trading Gabriel could be a calculated move not just to maintain control, but to protect long-term flexibility in the quarterback room. The Browns have made quarterback mistakes before. This one, they can’t afford to screw up.
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