The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is a fascinating puzzle, and the presence of rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders has only added to the intrigue. Gabriel, a former Oregon Duck, was drafted in the third round, while Sanders, a former Buffalo star, came in the fifth. With Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and an injured Deshaun Watson already in the mix, the Browns have a crowded quarterback situation that’s ripe for speculation. Could they trade one of their rookie quarterbacks before the regular season even begins? According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, it’s not off the table. “The Browns got these four quarterbacks they’re going to roll with that for the next two to three months to see how it shakes out,” Fowler said. “Shedeur Sanders will have every opportunity to make his impression and to make this team. The Browns also look at quarterbacks like all positions, like currency, like value. They could trade one of these guys in August if they play well in the preseason.”
The stakes are high for Gabriel and Sanders, who haven’t even played an NFL game yet. Teams might be interested in trading for one of them during the preseason, especially if they impress. The Browns, under GM Andrew Berry, have emphasized competition, with coach Kevin Stefanski reinforcing that message at rookie minicamp. “They’re going to give Sanders every chance because the word around the league is he had a tough time with some of these interviews with other teams,” Fowler noted. “That was not the Browns’ experience. They felt good about him. They felt he was a good person, that he was accurate on the field. There’s some things to like, but he has to beat out Dillon Gabriel.” Fowler also highlighted the Browns’ surprise at the “Gabriel dynamic,” noting that their courtship of him was under the radar, and they drafted him two rounds earlier than Sanders, underscoring their affection for him.
A trade involving either Gabriel or Sanders would be surprising, but it’s not out of the question. The Browns entering the season with five quarterbacks seems unlikely, given the redundancy and the potential value of a trade. Berry’s approach to quarterbacks as “currency” suggests a willingness to move pieces if the right offer comes along. For Gabriel and Sanders, it’s a prove-it situation, and their performances in practice and the preseason will be crucial. Stay tuned, because this story’s got legs, and for the Browns, it’s about finding the right balance between competition and roster management. The NFL’s a tough place, and for these rookies, it’s sink or swim. The Browns’ decision could shape their season, and for Gabriel and Sanders, it’s a chance to make their mark—or move on.
