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Dillon Gabriel has now been the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns for the last four games. So far, he has not done anything to show that he can be a long-term option for a franchise that is desperately searching for one. While he has had some decent moments, he has had far more frustrating moments. Fans are already ready to see a change made under center. Shedeur Sanders is currently sitting behind Gabriel as the team’s No. 2 quarterback. At some point, it seems very likely that the Browns will give him a chance. For now, head coach Kevin Stefanski has remained loyal to Gabriel. Read more: Browns’ Kevin Stefanski Considering Huge Coaching Change That being said, Gabriel is coming off of a tough performance against the New England Patriots in Week 8. Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Cleveland Browns passes the ball against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the game at Gillette Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Against the Patriots, Gabriel completed 21 of his 35 pass attempts for 156 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. It was arguably his worst game since taking over the starting job from Joe Flacco. Following that performance, Cleveland analyst Daryl Ruiter spoke out with harsh words and brutal criticism for the rookie signal caller. “I’m so frustrated that Andrew Berry did this,” Ruiter said. T”hat he spent a top 100 pick on (Dillon Gabriel). That they keep shoving this guy down our throats. I told you in training camp this guy wasn’t it. This is unwatchable.” There was perhaps no better example of how far away Gabriel is from being a starting NFL quarterback than the play he had in his own end zone where he threw the football to no one and was flagged for intention grounding. Of course, that penalty in the end zone was called and it resulted in a safety. This was the guy Kevin Stefanski picked to be his quarterback. #Browns #NFL https://t.co/4kwjD4EFK2— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) October 27, 2025 Stefanski wanted the Browns to take Gabriel in the 2025 NFL Draft. It has been clear that the pick being made in the third round was a major reach and an even bigger mistake. Read more: Packers’ Jordan Love Made NFL History While Defeating Aaron Rodgers That isn’t to say that Gabriel doesn’t have a future in Cleveland. But, thinking that he could turn into the Browns’ franchise quarterback simply isn’t going to happen. The team will still be searching for that guy, unless Sanders gets onto the field and can help calm the concerns. Only time will tell, but the frustration from the fan base and media is mounting against Gabriel. Sanders is likely going to see the field at some point in the near future. For more on the Cleveland Browns and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
