In just one year with the Cleveland Browns, Dillon Gabriel has gone from a promising developmental quarterback to a player whose future with the franchise now feels uncertain.

After being drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Gabriel arrived in Cleveland with high expectations. A record-breaking passer in college and a finalist for several prestigious awards, he was seen as a quarterback who could eventually take the reins and become a centerpiece of the team’s offense.

However, recent developments suggest that his role may be diminishing under new head coach Todd Monken’s leadership.

Gabriel‘s draft position ahead of fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, selected two rounds later, initially solidified his status as the crown jewel of the Browns’ quarterback room. Fans and analysts alike viewed him as the heir apparent to lead Cleveland’s offense in the near future.

Yet, Gabriel‘s performance in his debut NFL season did not align with those expectations. Over six starts, he compiled a 15 record and was sidelined in Week 11 after suffering a concussion. Meanwhile, Sanders seized the opportunity, finishing the season with a 35 record and emerging as the roster’s most effective quarterback in terms of wins.

Despite the Browns’ official stance that the starting job remains open for competition, the trajectory points toward Gabriel sliding down the depth chart.

According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, Gabriel could be moved for a late-round draft pick if Cleveland decides to bring in another quarterback this offseason.

While such a trade would not yield significant compensation-Newsweek projects a fifth- or sixth-round pick-the move would allow the team to create space in the quarterback room and potentially take a flyer on a younger prospect. For Gabriel, it could mean a fresh start with a coach who already knows his skill set, keeping his career on track despite a rocky first season.

Browns host Alabama QB, fueling Gabriel rumors

The speculation intensified when Cleveland hosted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson for a Top-30 pre-draft visit. Simpson is considered one of the top prospects in the 2026 draft class, and the visit underscores the Browns’ intent to explore additional quarterback options beyond the current roster of Gabriel, Sanders, and Deshaun Watson, who returns after starting in 2024.

Some reports have already identified a potential landing spot for Gabriel. The Atlanta Falcons, facing uncertainty at quarterback after releasing Kirk Cousins and dealing with Michael Penix Jr.’s recovery from a torn ACL, could provide him a viable opportunity.

Additionally, former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski now leads Atlanta, making a reunion with Gabriel plausible. Such a scenario could benefit all parties: the Browns gain draft value, Gabriel gets a fresh start, and the Falcons acquire a quarterback already familiar to Stefanski.

As the draft approaches, Cleveland’s quarterback room is in flux. Dillon Gabriel’s once-promising position in the team has become precarious, and his next move-whether a trade or a continued backup role-will be closely watched as the Browns shape their roster for the upcoming season.