Cleveland Browns Name Dillon Gabriel Backup QB Over Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns have solidified their quarterback depth chart for the start of the 2025 NFL season following the trade of Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders. Veteran Joe Flacco is the Week 1 starter, with rookie Dillon Gabriel named as the primary backup quarterback ahead of fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, a decision that has sparked some discontent among Browns fans. Head coach Kevin Stefanski cited Gabriel's overall body of work in practices and preseason games as the basis for the depth chart placement, despite Sanders showing promise in limited action. With Pickett traded and both Gabriel and Sanders being mid-round draft picks, NFL analysts expect the Browns to target a quarterback early in the 2026 draft, especially given the current roster's lack of a clear long-term franchise QB. The team also carries 12 rookies on the roster, including immediate contributors at other positions, reflecting a rebuilding phase. This quarterback situation remains fluid, with Gabriel and Sanders likely to see playing time if Flacco struggles during the season.