ESPN Reporter Confirms Plans for Dillon Gabriel After Kevin Stefanski Makes Firm QB Decision

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has quickly become one of the most intriguing storylines of the young season. While speaking on the Ken Carman show, Jeremy Fowler provided insight into the decision-making around the situation. When asked, “From the people you’ve talked to, how soon can Dillion Gabriel start for the Browns football team?”

Joe Flacco impressed in Week 1 but sputtered the next week against a stronger defense. Rookie Dillon Gabriel entered briefly, completed every pass, and capped it with a touchdown.

“I don’t sense a major urgency to get Gabriel right now into the game as a starter. But it’s a fluid situation, like a lot of these are. You saw it last year with the Patriots, with Jacoby Brissett, and him getting benched for Drake May. Any bridge Quarterback is a bridge to a rookie draft pick. You have to win games to hold them off. If you don’t win games, they’re typically gonna move on and see what the younger guy can do. It’s a nod to the future, and you go from there,” Fowler said. The brief glimpse was enough to spark debate on when the Browns might hand the reins to their rookie.

This balancing act mirrors what unfolded in New England last season. The Patriots started with veteran Jacoby Brissett while first-round pick Drake Maye developed. After the nine-year veteran completed 52.9% of his passes for 160 yards in a 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins, who were beset by injuries, the experienced Brissett was replaced by rookie Maye. Brissett threw just two touchdowns and never topped 200 yards, sinking the Patriots’ passing offense to last in the league. The garbage time followed a Week 3 loss to the Jets of 24-3. Maye ran twice for 12 yards and went 4-of-8 for 22, a forgettable cameo.

But as the losses piled up, the pressure mounted. Eventually, the coaching staff handed the job to Maye. The Cleveland Browns face a similar crossroad ride with the Joe Flacco experiment and hopes that he steadies the offense. Fowler added, “I don’t sense they are there yet. I know Falco played well in week 1, and I know week 2 didn’t go so well against the better team, a better defense. But, they feel pretty good overall where Flaco’s at. And they’re trying not to totally rush this thing, is my understanding. But it gets to a point in this league where it’s week to week, and you have to try to win. And I think Gabriel’s mobility eventually will help him get in the lineup.”

In 2025, Dillon Gabriel was selected in the third round and moved to the Cleveland Browns. He gained a reputation as a reliable passer who made wise choices along the road. He was intercepted just six times while throwing for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns in his final season at Oregon. Gabriel’s preseason swiftly changed the Cleveland Browns’ initial perception of him as a component of a developing plan. In two exhibition games, he completed 25 of 37 throws for 272 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The Cleveland Browns walk a tightrope with a challenging schedule ahead

“No. I don’t think we did good enough.” Stefanski said after a blowout 41-17 loss. Kevin Stefanski and his staff appear reluctant to rush Gabriel into a starting role, despite fans calling for a change.  With a passing rating of 65, Flacco completed 25 of 45 passes for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Gabriel went 3-for-3 for 20 yards and a touchdown in limited late-game action. For a 132.6 passer rating, that was good.

When asked about Stefanski’s decision not to make a change at quarterback, “I can’t worry about that stuff anyway. It’s honestly not on my mind. I gotta go out there and just play my game, play the way I know how to lead this team the best I can.” Flacco said.

Flacco’s three interceptions—two vs. Cincinnati and one vs. Baltimore—have drawn sharp criticism. That’s still the decision for now. Flacco’s starting job is in jeopardy with these results and tough games ahead against the Packers and Lions.

Browns insider Tony Rizzo of ESPN said, “Gabriel is going to play, it’s just a matter of when. Tony (Grossi) asked the coaches, and the coaches said, ‘We aren’t going to think about that.’ I’m going to tell you if the Browns are getting beat, 10-0 or 14-3 at halftime, I would not be surprised to see coach Stefanksi put in Gabriel.”

The Browns are not there yet, but the signs are familiar. If Gabriel can continue to replicate that in practice and in spot opportunities, his window will open. The Cleveland Browns stick with Flacco for now, but the clock is ticking on Gabriel’s rise.