Dillon Gabriel delivered the kind of performance the Cleveland Browns needed in their NFL preseason finale. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns during a 37-13 win over the New England Patriots. He played just the first half but had a stellar 157.9 passer rating.
Gabriel also led five scoring drives while avoiding a turnover. His performance strengthened his case in a crowded quarterback room, but the second-year passer admitted his future remains unclear.
“God knows,” Gabriel said when asked about the next few days. “I’m just worried about today and the rest will figure itself out.”
That uncertainty comes with the Browns weighing their options behind their QB1, Deshaun Watson. Shedeur Sanders likely has the QB2 spot, while Taylen Green also impressed after taking over in the second half.
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Speaking about that uncertainty, Gabriel said, “That’s the league for you. But I know what I’m about and I just got a good head on my shoulders. I take pride in that. And you know, I went into this game a certain way, of course. But it is what it is.”
Gabriel said the competition has felt more “challenging” than frustrating. He credited his approach during OTAs and minicamp for helping him handle limited practice opportunities.
“I really flipped the switch for me,” Gabriel said. He explained that focusing on stacking good reps helped him avoid chasing results during individual practices.
Dillon Gabriel gives Browns tough roster decision
Gabriel finally saw his preparation translate into a strong game setting. He connected with Luke Floriea for two touchdowns before adding another scoring pass to Ahmani Marshall.
His 52-yard completion to Ben Patterson also showed the ability to attack deeper areas. For an NFL quarterback fighting for a roster spot, that combination of accuracy and decision-making carries weight.
Cleveland must balance Gabriel’s polish against Green’s physical upside. Green produced 66 rushing yards and helped engineer a 98-yard touchdown drive after halftime.
Gabriel understands that roster decisions remain outside his control. His focus stayed on maximizing the opportunity rather than predicting the outcome.
“At some point, you want to see your hard work come into fruition and in a real life setting,” Gabriel said. “And of course, it wasn’t exactly what I wanted, the first two preseason games. And that’s probably the frustrating part on my end. But then being able to go out today with a bunch of great dudes and really, out to just make the most of it. Maxing the moment, you know, that’s really what it’s all about.”
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That mindset could help Gabriel regardless of Cleveland’s decision. His performance gave the Browns another reason to consider keeping him when final roster decisions arrive.
