The Cleveland Browns made it clear that their focus is shifting towards the longer term that runs by Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Joe Flacco’s departure to Cincinnati has fast-tracked that course of.
Browns proprietor Jimmy Haslam and coach Kevin Stefanski are steering the offense towards a full analysis of their younger signal-callers. Haslam shared the group’s intentions throughout coaching camp, which was posted by Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot on X.
“Browns proprietor Jimmy Haslam stated throughout his coaching camp presser that the group “completely, completely” desires to see rookie QBs Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders play this season,” Cabot tweeted on Wednesday.
•
![]()
Trying to predict NFL playoff Situations? Attempt our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and keep forward of the sport!
Flacco was traded to the Bengals together with a 2026 sixth-round decide in change for a fifth-rounder. The deal, finalized on Tuesday, marked the top of his temporary second stint in Cleveland. Though the veteran didn’t provoke the transfer, he welcomed it as soon as the entrance workplace made its plans for the rookie quarterbacks clear.
Dillon Gabriel’s alternative arrives as Shedeur Sanders waits in line


The Browns handed the reins to Dillon Gabriel for final weekend’s recreation in London, giving the third-round decide from Oregon his first NFL begin. He completed with 190 passing yards and two touchdowns within the slim 21-17 loss to Minnesota.
The effectivity of Gabriel allowed Cleveland to enhance its offensive rhythm. He was 19 of 33, didn’t throw any interceptions and stored drives alive simply lengthy. Browns defensive finish Myles Garrett praised the rookie after the sport for holding his composure and never forcing a throw below duress.
Nonetheless, Kevin Stefanski wasn’t able to make any long-term declarations.
“Most likely untimely to grade,” Stefanski informed reporters. “There have been some good issues, some rookie issues to actually clear up.”
Behind Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders moved into the QB2 position on the depth chart. The previous Colorado standout hasn’t performed this common season, however his promotion following Flacco’s commerce offers him the clearest path but to recreation motion.
Bailey Zappe is the third choice, whereas Deshaun Watson continues his restoration from Achilles surgical procedure and isn’t near returning.
Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez

