When asked about the quarterback competition with the Cleveland Browns, Dillon Gabriel said: “There’s entertainers and there’s competitors.” Many believe his comment was aimed at Shedeur Sanders, who has now fired back at his teammate.
During his NFL debut, Gabriel was asked about the Browns’ QB competition. Many felt his “entertainers” remark was a reference to Sanders, though the former Colorado standout believes it wasn’t directed at him.
“Honestly, I don’t even think about nothing. I don’t think about anything,” Sanders said about Gabriel’s comments. “If it’s not words or anything at this point, it can’t do anything to me. I know that God put the ability and the power within me to not even think about nobody else’s comments, not care. It is what it is. I spoke with him. He told me on the plane. He came up, he was like, ‘Nah bro, that wasn’t at you.’ … I’m not tripping, regardless of whatever it was. Nobody’s words or anything affects me.”
Shedeur Sanders vs. Dillon Gabriel: The next QB battle in Cleveland
The Browns have already named Joe Flacco their starting quarterback for the 2025 NFL season. However, uncertainty remains about the rest of the depth chart.
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Browns HC Kevin Stefanski sums up Joe Flacco vs. Shedeur Sanders QB battle in one key word
As of now, Kenny Pickett is slated to be Flacco’s backup, with Dillon Gabriel at QB3 and Shedeur Sanders at QB4. Still, their preseason debuts raised questions among fans.
Sanders impressed in his first NFL action, throwing two touchdowns against the Panthers. Meanwhile, Gabriel struggled, tossing a pick-six against the Eagles—fueling speculation that he could slide down to QB4.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski plans to play both Gabriel and Sanders in the Browns’ preseason finale against the Rams on Saturday. However, Sanders’ status is unclear as he continues to recover from an oblique injury, which could complicate his battle with Gabriel.
Dillon Gabriel #5 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 10, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.
Even if Sanders sits out, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s lost the competition. Coaches value growth during practice and in-season development. Still, Gabriel could gain an edge if he delivers a strong showing against Los Angeles.
What about Kenny Pickett?
The Browns’ preseason has made it clear that the main uncertainty lies between Gabriel and Sanders. Kenny Pickett appears locked in as the team’s QB2, largely thanks to his NFL experience.
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NFL News: Browns head coach gives key injury update on Shedeur Sanders and Kenny Pickett
That said, Pickett still has plenty to prove in Cleveland. Once seen as the Steelers’ long-awaited franchise quarterback, he now finds himself as a backup on a team not expected to contend for a Super Bowl this season.
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