Home / Sports / Browns QB Dilemma: Gabriel's Injury Fuels Trade Talk
Browns QB Dilemma: Gabriel's Injury Fuels Trade Talk
12 Sep
Summary
- Dillon Gabriel's back injury unexpectedly placed him on injured reserve.
- The Browns may trade Gabriel, who is currently sidelined for at least four games.
- Cleveland faces a crucial decision with three other quarterbacks on the roster.
The Cleveland Browns' quarterback depth chart faced an unexpected shift when Dillon Gabriel landed on injured reserve with a back injury. This injury, sustained near the roster cut-down deadline, was a surprise to the team, which had planned to keep four quarterbacks. Gabriel's earliest return is Week 5, leaving Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Taylen Green as the active passers for now.
General Manager Andrew Berry highlighted the strategic importance of carrying extra quarterbacks in today's NFL. He noted that a promising young passer like Gabriel represents valuable developmental talent, potentially tradeable if the team needs to address other roster areas. Gabriel's performance in his rookie season showed limitations, averaging just 5.1 yards per attempt, which could influence the Browns' future decisions.
Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson is slated to start, with Sanders as the primary backup. If Watson struggles early in the season, particularly in the opening road games, calls for Sanders could intensify. Berry also did not rule out extending Watson's contract, stating that future decisions hinge on player performance. The Browns, holding two first-round picks in 2027, possess resources that could be used to pursue a different long-term quarterback solution.
