Despite this, Stefanski holds a special fondness for these two players, who saw playing time during their rookie season. During a recent appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, the head coach reflected on his time with Sanders and Gabriel.

“Those two young players, I loved those guys. I loved coaching them. I loved their development. As a coach, why we do this is you take a player and you try to get a little more out of them. You try to develop them. I want to get this guy better at that,” Stefanski said.

“Both those guys you can point to their rookie seasons and say man they got better in these areas. Ultimately, we want to continue to improve those guys and both of them will. I think very highly of those two young men.”

A new era in Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns have officially entered a new era by hiring Todd Monken as their head coach, a move that signals a major shift toward an aggressive, pass-heavy offense. Monken, who previously led high-powered units in Georgia and Baltimore, now faces the critical task of stabilizing a quarterback room that has seen constant turnover.

While Shedeur Sanders finished the 2025 season as the starter—recording 1,400 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 8 games—his status as QB1 for 2026 remains a subject of intense debate. Although Monken shared a viral moment with Sanders upon his arrival, admitting he had “tried to draft him” while with the Ravens, the front office has yet to officially commit.

With a 68.1 passer rating in his rookie campaign, Sanders will likely have to compete in training camp against potential veteran additions or high-draft picks to prove he is the long-term answer for Monken’s system.

Per Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, Kevin Stefanski assured that Shedeur Sanders will start next Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. This will be the third-straight start for Sanders after taking the starting spot over Dillon Gabriel.

Gabriel played six games as the starter and had a 1-5 record, while Sanders is 1-1. Now, while Gabriel might be a more secure QB, he brings a very low ceiling. Sanders can be a bit more reckless, but his upside is tremendous.

Sanders will play against his college nemesis

There are a few clips that show Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders training together and there is a visible tension between them. While Sanders is an extrovert, Ward just wants to focus on playing football. Now, they will face each other next week for bragging rights. They have declared they are friends, but a sports rivalry is surely there.

Ward is 1-10 with the Titans and while his overall play is not good, his talent is also undeniable. Ward is completing less than 60% of his passes and has seven touchdowns to six interceptions. However, the eye test suggests that he has arm talent to spare. The Titans are certainly not helping him look better.

Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders had an indirect battle in college

Last season, Cam Ward ended fourth in the Heisman run. Sanders wasn’t a finalist, but a key weapon of his ended up winning the Heisman. Travis Hunter was the best receiver in Colorado, where Sanders played. Now, Hunter also played cornerback at a very high level, but his production offensively came thanks to Sanders in part.

Curiously enough, Browns’ teammate Dillon Gabriel ended third in the Heisman votes. Now, Sanders, who was below all of them, is starting over Gabriel and will likely be favored in his matchup against Ward.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Browns’ head coach has confirmed that Sanders will remain the starter following his outstanding performance in Las Vegas.

“The #Browns are naming QB Shedeur Sanders as their starting QB this week against the #49ers, sources say. After the rookie fifth-rounder impressed with a 209-yard passing day with a TD, he gets another start,” the insider reported via @RapSheet.

Sanders’ outstanding performance at Allegiant Stadium even drew a reaction from President Donald Trump himself. The QB carried his teammates to an important 24–10 victory, and he’ll look to do the same next weekend against the Bay Area squad.

A promising debut as starter

Shedeur Sanders secured an emblematic 24-10 victory for the Browns in his first NFL start against the Raiders. He finished the game completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, highlighted by his first career touchdown—a crucial 66-yard screen pass in the fourth quarter—and only just one interception.

What happened to Gabriel?

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel was placed in concussion protocol following the Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2025. This injury, sustained during the Ravens game, forced him to miss the subsequent Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Still, the former Colorado Buffaloes player hasn’t yet seen any snaps with the starting unit, even though the head coach himself has expressed being very pleased with Shedeur’s performance in practice.

“He’s doing a really nice job, including just now coming off the field with the red zone drill that we did, so continues to work very hard, doing a nice job in meetings, doing a good job,” Stefanski stated via Daniel Oyefusi.

With a series of intriguing matchups ahead, it looks like the former Ducks player will remain in charge of the first team. However, judging by the coach’s comments, he can’t get too comfortable, as his backup is performing exceptionally well.

Gabriel’s season so far

Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s tenure as the Cleveland Browns’ QB1 has been a rocky transition to the NFL, with the team currently holding a 2-7 record. Through seven games, including five starts, the third-round pick has completed 102 of 174 attempts for a 58.6% completion rate.

Gabriel has totaled 869 passing yards, throwing 7 touchdowns against 2 interceptions, resulting in an 80.4 Passer Rating. While praised for his low turnover rate, Gabriel’s 5.0 yards per attempt is among the lowest in the league, and he has been sacked 17 times. Despite the team’s struggles, Coach Kevin Stefanski has publicly maintained that the team will stick with Gabriel as the starter.

What’s next for the Browns?

Dillon Gabriel is set to continue his trial-by-fire as the Cleveland Browns enter one of the most demanding three-game stretches on their calendar. It begins with a crucial AFC North divisional clash at home against the dominant Baltimore Ravens, where Gabriel will need to protect the ball against a fierce defense.

Following that, the Browns travel west to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in a key inter-conference battle. The gauntlet concludes with a difficult home game against the San Francisco 49ers.

For the 2-7 Browns, this upcoming schedule—especially the matchups with the Ravens and 49ers—will be a critical measure of whether Gabriel can withstand elite NFL pressure.

The Browns have not had a great 2025 NFL season. The AFC North club currently has a disappointing 2-6 record and sits at the bottom of the division.

During their bye week, the Browns decided to make a change to try to turn things around. It is crucial for them to stop the losing streak and help Dillon Gabriel in the second half of the campaign.

What is the change that Kevin Stefanski has made?

The Browns had their bye in Week 9, a necessary moment for the club to assess the issues that have led them to the bottom of the AFC North so far.

Like many head coaches in the NFL, Kevin Stefanski was in charge of play-calling — but not anymore. He has revealed that OC Tommy Rees will call all offensive plays from now on.

“These are things that I’m always looking at — what can we do better,” HC Kevin Stefanski said, via Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald. “I have a ton of trust and faith in Tommy. He’s more than capable, so excited for him. But, bottom line is, we have to just get better collectively — so that’s offense, that’s defense, that’s special teams, that’s players, that’s coaching. So, that’s our charge and that’s what we’re working hard to do.”

It is the second year in a row that Stefanski gives up play-calling. During the 2024 season, he entrusted former offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey with that task.

Any changes at quarterback for the Browns?

Even though Kevin Stefanski has given up offensive play-calling, he has not given up on Dillon Gabriel — at least not yet.

In Week 10, the Browns will face the New York Jets. Kevin Stefanski has confirmed that Dillon Gabriel will start, meaning that Shedeur Sanders will remain the backup QB.

From now on, the former Oregon Ducks player will have to rely on the rest of his running back depth chart, which includes Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson. It’s worth noting that Raheim Sanders is also out.

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Judkins had to leave Gillette Stadium with a shoulder injury and is awaiting further evaluation. “Browns RB Quinshon Judkins has been ruled out with a shoulder injury,” the insider reported via @TomPelissero.

If the severity of the injury is confirmed, it would be a major blow to a Browns offense that has faced endless problems since the start of the season—not only due to injuries but also because of unexpected absences during the campaign.

Judkins’ impact on the Browns’ offense

The Cleveland Browns‘ ground game takes a massive hit with the loss of rookie running back Quinshon Judkins to injury. Judkins has been the clear focal point of the run-heavy offense, leading the team with 467 rushing yards on 109 carries and accounting for five rushing touchdowns through the first half of the season.

His absence removes the primary threat who averaged 4.3 yards per carry and leaves a massive vacuum of production for a Browns offense that relies heavily on establishing the run.

A season to forget

The Cleveland Browns are sinking into a familiar mid-season crisis, primarily due to catastrophic instability on offense. What began as a question mark at quarterback has become a turnstile, with the team moving on from both veteran Joe Flacco and the recently acquired Kenny Pickett, throwing rookie Dillon Gabriel into the fire.

Compounding the turmoil, a rash of significant injuries—including key losses on the offensive line and in the run game—has left the unit creatively bankrupt. This constant churn and lack of cohesion are largely responsible for the team’s disappointing start, leaving the once-hyped offense struggling to find any consistent rhythm.

Week 7 offers a huge opportunity for both the Dolphins and the Browns to redeem themselves. With both teams sitting at 1-5, a victory is crucial to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

A loss could determine Mike McDaniel’s future, as he’s currently on the hot seat. For that reason, the head coach has decided to call out Dillon Gabriel and let him know he won’t have an easy matchup against his Dolphins.

Mike McDaniel puts extra pressure on Dillon Gabriel ahead of Week 7

Mike McDaniel is holding onto everything he can to secure his job as head coach. It’s no secret that he’s under heavy pressure, which is why defeating the Browns in Week 7 is absolutely crucial.

For that reason, the head coach has decided to issue a direct warning to Dillon Gabriel. McDaniel admitted that, while the quarterback’s talent is undeniable, the Dolphins’ mission is to make him “look like a rookie.”

“He looks like he should be in there,” HC Mike McDaniel said of Gabriel. “I think that’s an important thing to note, is that to look the part of a starting quarterback in the National Football League is extremely difficult — and even more so if you’re a rookie. I think I look at it through the lens of, he shows us what he’s capable of and certainly makes some very accurate throws to windows.

“The team facing him — for us this week — our job is to make him look like a rookie. What does that mean? That means 11 convicted players playing together and making it hard on him. But, don’t get it twisted, just because he’s a rookie doesn’t mean he can’t spin the ball, see the field, and take advantage of opportunities that you give him. So, the main thing to me is don’t allow him to get comfortable and find a new level of success at this level. He’s already shown the ability to distribute the ball and do so accurately, and on schedule, and on time. So, you have to disrupt him early and often.”

The Browns’ offense is not McDaniel’s main problem

While McDaniel views Dillon Gabriel’s offense as a challenge, he should perhaps be more concerned about the Browns’ defense — one of the best in the entire NFL.

Tua Tagovailoa has struggled when facing heavy pressure, and Cleveland’s defensive line excels at creating it. It seems McDaniel should be more worried about Myles Garrett than about issuing warnings to Gabriel.

David Bell, the explosive wide receiver drafted in 2022, announced via social media his decision to step away from professional football, delivering a blow to Kevin Stefanski’s already thin wide receiver room.

The former Purdue standout appeared in 32 games, including six starts, for Cleveland over the past three seasons. He missed nearly all of the 2024 campaign after suffering a hip injury in Week 2. After just a few years in the NFL, Bell has decided to hang up his cleats.

“Several months ago, I was blindsided by an off-field injury that was beyond my control, which put my football future in jeopardy,” the talented wide receiver wrote in a social media post.

“After consulting with medical experts and praying, I accept that continuing to play football would literally risk life and limb. Although it is the last thing I would otherwise want to do, with a heavy heart, I am announcing my retirement.”

Looking for more options at WR

The Cleveland Browns‘ passing attack in 2025 is largely anchored by star wideout Jerry Jeudy, who is looking to solidify his position as the clear-cut No. 1 option after an impressive 2024 campaign.

Jeudy’s exceptional route-running and ability to create separation make him the primary target, demanding defensive attention. However, with questions surrounding other established veterans, the door is open for emerging talent.

Fifth-round sophomore Jamari Thrash is currently locked in a battle for significant playing time, primarily operating out of the slot. Thrash’s potential—highlighted by his collegiate production and promising flashes in camp—offers a reliable possession target, complementing Jeudy’s downfield threat.

The quarterback battle

The quarterback conversation continues to dominate headlines in Cleveland, but HC Kevin Stefanski has clearly signaled his current preference, sticking with rookie Dillon Gabriel as the starter.

Despite the immense public and media interest surrounding fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, the coaching staff is prioritizing Gabriel’s development and consistency, believing the third-round selection gives the team the best chance to win now.

While Sanders has been elevated to the backup role, Stefanski’s measured approach confirms Gabriel holds the immediate trust of the organization as they navigate the season’s critical middle stretch.

What’s next for the Browns?

The Cleveland Browns are facing a pivotal two-game stretch to salvage their season before the Week 9 bye. First up is a crucial Week 7 home tilt against a struggling Miami Dolphins squad. This is a must-win opportunity to right the ship.

The challenge immediately gets tougher in Week 8, as the team travels to the always-difficult Gillette Stadium to take on Drake Mayes’s New England Patriots. If the Browns want to maintain any hope of a playoff push, they must emerge from these next two contests with a winning record.

The Cleveland Browns will play bitter rivals Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6 with Dillon Gabriel under center. Winning the starting job over Shedeur Sanders, it seems like this game will bring too many problems for the rookie quarterback.

There are four specific pieces of data that play against Gabriel here. The first one, Cleveland is 0-21 in its last 21 regular season games in Pittsburgh. The second one, the Browns are returning from a London game without any rest.

Third but not least, the Steelers are off a Bye Week, and Mike Tomlin is 14-4 after a bye with eight wins in a row. Fourth and equally as important, Tomlin has a 27-6 record against rookie quarterbacks, and is 14-1 at home against them. Gabriel should be in a world of trouble.

Shedeur Sanders is QB2 for now

After the Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, Shedeur Sanders was promoted to QB2. In all fairness, Sanders is waiting for his chance but it could be better for him to not debut in this game. In fact, this could be a blessing in disguise for him.

If Gabriel struggles heavily, this could serve as fuel for Sanders. Any time Gabriel’s stock suffers, Sanders’ grows exponentially. This is actually a great scenario for Sanders if looked at with critical eye.

The Browns are still battling against all odds

The Browns are now on their second QB with Sanders waiting on the sidelines. Their defense is very good at home, not very good away from Cleveland, but all in all, they are trying to compete despite their 1-4 record.

Winning at Pittsburgh is as tough as it gets for them, but what better scenario to turn a season around than getting an unlikely win against a bitter rival? It will all fall in Dillon Gabriel’s hands.

The Cleveland Browns don’t have the best reputation as far as organizational decisions go. Much of that bad name comes due to their constant change at quarterback. They just traded away Joe Flacco and kept Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders on the roster. However, many of their former signal-callers are still getting paychecks from the team.

According to Spotrac, a site specialized in player contracts, salary cap breakdowns, payrolls and more, the Browns are paying eight different quarterbacks right now.

Deshaun Watson, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, is getting paid $35.9 million. Jameis Winston, who plays for the Giants, carries a $2.2 million in dead cap. Dillon Gabriel who just earned his first start has a $1.1m salary in his rookie year. Joe Flacco, recently traded to the Bengals, carries a $999k dead hit. Shedeur Sanders is right below with a $955k salary. Incredibly enough, the Browns are still paying Bailey Zappe $315k as part of their practice squad, and two dead hits in Dorian Thompson-Robinson ($171k) and Kenny Pickett ($8k).

Out of all, the Watson contract is still unfathomable

It’s been years now, but the fact that the Browns gave Deshaun Watson a five-year, $230,000,000 fully guaranteed contract is still unthinkable. Watson was coming off of two years filled with injuries and off-field legal issues. Somehow, the Browns opted to give him the biggest contract in NFL history at that time and make it all guaranteed.

Watson played seven games last season with the Browns and threw for 1,148 yards and five touchdowns with three interceptions. His passer rating was a mid 79 and in three seasons with the Browns, he has played 19 games out of 51 possible.

The Browns still haven’t found their QB

After starting the season with Flacco under center, the Browns traded him and opted to go with rookie Dillon Gabriel. The former Oregon Duck debuted with a loss though he showed some glimpses of talent.

Still waiting for his turn, one of the most mediatic rookies of all time, Shedeur Sanders. Whether one of those rookie QBs will become a franchise remains to be seen, but the Browns can’t keep having former players on their payroll if they want to change their fate.

With Gabriel as the starter, Deshaun Watson injured, Flacco gone, and Kenny Pickett with the Las Vegas Raiders, Sanders should be next in line competing for a spot in the Browns’ offensive game-calling rotation for the remainder of the season.

Stefanski, meanwhile, spoke about the overall QB room situation in the days leading up to the game against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Uncertainty looms over the team, which currently holds a 1-4 record.

Stefanski sends a confusing signal about the QB room

When asked during Wednesday’s press conference if Sanders would be the backup QB with Gabriel starting, the Browns head coach avoided giving a direct answer and sidestepped the question. “We’re still working through all aspects of the roster,” Stefanski said.

“I always have to be mindful of our players and our players’ development. I want to make sure that I’m always doing what’s best for our players, and, of course, our team. But with young players, I’m always thinking about — last week, making the change to Dillon, you have to think long and hard about that because these are young players that you’re so invested in their development. So, I’ll let the week play out, make a decision later on that,” Stefanski added.

Who is Sanders competing with for the backup QB spot?

The Browns had listed Sanders as QB2 on their unofficial depth chart, but that spot isn’t confirmed for the rookie. Cleveland also has Bailey Zappe on the practice squad, creating a competition between the two. “We have to get through all of it. I’ll repeat, I really like the guys we have; we have to get through them all,” Stefanski said.