The Cleveland Browns just cranked their quarterback drama to a whole new level. With the signing of fourth-round pick Dillon Gabriel to a four-year, $6.2 million rookie contract, the Browns now officially have five quarterbacks under contract. In a league where two is the norm and three is a luxury, five is downright chaotic.
Gabriel, a left-handed quarterback with a cannon arm and a college resume longer than some NFL veterans, is the newest face in Cleveland’s ever-spinning quarterback carousel. His deal includes a $1.16 million signing bonus, making it clear that the Browns see real potential in the former Oregon Duck.
But here’s the twist: the Browns already had four QBs — Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Shedeur Sanders — before Gabriel inked his deal. Now the team heads into the summer with a five-man battle for what could be the most unpredictable quarterback room in the NFL.
Watson, once the centerpiece of the franchise, is still recovering from a recurring Achilles injury and may miss a significant portion of the 2025 season. With his massive contract and murky health status, his position as the starter is anything but guaranteed — especially if the Browns want to win now.
That leaves the door wide open for competition, and Gabriel’s timing couldn’t be better. He arrives with more college experience than almost any quarterback in this year’s draft class, boasting 18,722 passing yards and a 46-17 career record across stints at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. He’s played in hostile environments, led comebacks, and thrived under pressure.
Despite his impressive college credentials, Gabriel will face fierce competition. Joe Flacco, 40, signed a one-year veteran deal after proving in 2024 that he still has gas left in the tank. Kenny Pickett, a former first-rounder, is playing for his future in a contract year after the Eagles declined his option. And Shedeur Sanders, a seventh-round rookie, comes in with sky-high expectations and a famous last name.
It’s no secret that Cleveland is still chasing stability at the quarterback position — something the franchise has lacked for decades. From Johnny Manziel to Baker Mayfield to the Watson gamble, the Browns have swung big and missed often. Now, they’ve taken the opposite approach: stack the room and let competition decide.
Gabriel has already been taking meaningful reps in OTAs, and coaches have reportedly been impressed with his poise, accuracy, and leadership. While it’s early, there’s buzz in the building that he could rise quickly up the depth chart if Watson’s injury lingers.
Still, the Browns will likely have to cut or trade at least one quarterback before the regular season begins. All eyes are on Pickett, whose stock has fallen since leaving Pittsburgh, and who may not have a clear role if Gabriel or Sanders show more upside in camp.
The move also raises questions about the Browns’ long-term strategy. Are they hedging against Watson’s health? Are they grooming Gabriel to be the future? Or are they simply stockpiling assets to make a splashier move down the line?
One thing’s for sure: the Browns have created one of the most intriguing quarterback storylines in the NFL heading into training camp. With five quarterbacks, one job, and zero clarity, Cleveland has set the stage for a wild summer.