Dillon Gabriel won't be starting for the Cleveland Browns in his second season as a pro, but he did earn the start for the team's final preseason outing on Thursday night. Gabriel led the Oregon Ducks to a Big Ten championship in 2024 and became a third-round pick in the NFL draft, but just one season later, he could be heading elsewhere.
If Gabriel doesn't stay in Cleveland in 2026, he just showed why other teams should give him a shot. Lining up against the New England Patriots in the Browns' final game of the NFL preseason, the southpaw quarterback completed 12-of-15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first half.
Under center, Gabriel made it look easy, driving the Browns down the field for touchdowns on the first two drives
of the game. The Browns scored on every possession Gabriel led, scoring 27 points in the first half before giving way to rookie quarterback Taylen Green in the second half.
The former Ducks tossed all three touchdowns in the red zone, but also connected on several big plays. Gabriel had completions in the game for 21, 29 and 52 yards. He made quick decisions and even made a few plays on the run, showcasing his mobility and experience with the ball in his hands.
Dillon Gabriel put up numbers in the first half 😮💨
— NFL (@NFL) August 28, 2026
- 12/15
- 186 pass yards
- 3 TDs
NEvsCLE on Prime Video
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/EO6pUKzGyV
The Browns named veteran Deshaun Watson as the team's starting quarterback, with fellow second-year passer Sheduer Sanders assuming the backup role. Since Green is a rookie with untapped potential, it's unlikely the Browns keep four quarterbacks, which means Gabriel could be on the move when the roster shrinks down to 53 players.
There is a chance Gabriel sticks with the Browns, but he is a candidate to be cut. However, after turning in a strong performance and still just 25 years old, Gabriel might have generated some interest around the league for a potential trade to become a backup and push for snaps elsewhere. The Browns will have to make a decision by Aug. 30, when rosters must be set.
Several NFL franchises could use a capable, experienced backup like Gabriel in their quarterback rooms. His size (5-foot-11) and left-handedness are seen as negatives by scouts, but he had success at times last season in Cleveland. Gabriel appeared in 10 games and started six, throwing for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.
In his lone season at Oregon, Gabriel became a Heisman finalist after throwing for 2,857 yards and scoring 37 total touchdowns. He led the Ducks to an undefeated regular season, a conference title and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. He left the college football ranks as the FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns (189), passing touchdowns (155) and career games by a quarterback (63).
Gabriel's future could see him in a new city and playing for a new team as soon as next week, so it's worth keeping an eye on the former Duck to see if he will spread his wings and fly elsewhere before the season begins.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Dillon Gabriel boosts value with big showing in Browns' preseason finale
