With the 2026 NFL season approaching, the Cleveland Browns picked Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback. Most loyal fans and NFL analysts critiqued the decision while citing Watson’s previous shortcomings as a reason. Ultimately, the spotlight has landed on 25-year-old Dillon Gabriel, who delivered an impressive performance during their preseason finale win vs. the New England Patriots.
As Watson and Shedeur Sanders sat out, Gabriel played the first half, going 12 of 15 for 186 yards with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. With a solid 27-13 first-half lead, Gabriel’s showing helped them secure their first and only preseason win (37-13). Naturally, the discussion shifted back to the team’s QB choices and Gabriel’s place in Cleveland.
Browns Fans Weren’t Too Happy with HC Todd Monken’s Take on Team’s QB Depth
When asked about Gabriel postgame, head coach Todd Monken remained unchanged about the Browns’ QB room. According to Daniel Oyefusi, ESPN’s reporter for the Browns, Monken confirmed that Gabriel’s game had no impact on the decision.
Furthermore, Monken also remained noncommittal about having four quarterbacks (Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, and rookie Taylen Green) on their 53-man roster.
“I’m not going to get into that now,” Monken explained. “[General manager] Andrew [Berry] and I haven’t had a chance to really talk about that.”
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
Here’s how the NFL world and Browns fans reacted to it:
While there were multiple POVs, most fans wanted better for Gabriel.
“Coaching staff is sabotaging Dillion,” one fan wrote.
Coaching staff is sabotaging Dillion
— Nick Sports Guy (@NickBrad6) August 28, 2026
Another fan also pointed fingers at the team’s staff. “They really didn’t need any practices or games at all, apparently,” the user explained.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
While one can understand the need to keep the predecided roster intact, Gabriel’s performance certainly warranted more focus on the young QB. Even though Gabriel needs a lot more practice on his end, most believe the former Oregon star is certainly a better choice than both Watson and Sanders.
One fan pointed out how this wasn’t the only year Gabriel has performed: “Dillon balled out in preseason last year too.”
Dillon balled out in preseason last year too.
— gaga (@GMarceline69105) August 28, 2026
Having said that, not all NFL fans wanted Gabriel to be picked as QB1 or the backup. Some hope Gabriel will be traded soon, hopefully landing with a team better suited and in need of his talents.
“Please get my dawg away from this franchise,” a fan posted.
We knew this already lol Dillon is outta here little children https://t.co/zbcanO5sK0
— NoSugarCoatinIsh (@NomannersSRT) August 28, 2026
“We knew this already lol Dillon is outta here little children,” another user said, echoing a similar sentiment.
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON: PFN’s Free NFL Playoff Predictor
A third-round pick in 2025, Gabriel started six games last season. However, he suffered a concussion in Week 11, which led the Browns to start Sanders instead. The overall competition was focused on Sanders and Watson, with Gabriel continuing to get less field time.
According to PFN’s QB Impact Metric, Gabriel posted an impact score of 64.0 last season, ranking third-worst in the league, but ahead of Sanders, who ranked second-worst with an impact score of 63.0.
This season, Gabriel played the fourth quarter of the Browns’ first two preseason games.
Monken also applauded Gabriel postgame, referring to him as a “prideful guy” who prepares well. The coach also highlighted Gabriel’s confidence on the field, happy he gets to work with a pro.
Additionally, this season could mirror the Browns’ 2025–26 campaign, in which they started with four QBs (Sanders, Gabriel, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett) but ultimately moved Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders and later Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. With both Sanders and Watson being the favored options right now, fans are already predicting a disappointing turnout heading into 2026.
The Browns will begin their 2026 season with a clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13.
