Dillon Gabriel Addresses Competition With Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns have a number of quarterback options heading into the 2026 season, but not a clear picture of who will be the starting quarterback.

In 2025 Joe Flacco started the season under center, but former third-round pick Dillon Gabriel took over before a concussion sidelined him in favor of late-round pick Shedeur Sanders, who finished out the season. Now Gabriel, Sanders and veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson are all fighting for the starting role.

But who will get to become the new starting quarterback for the Browns under new head coach Todd Monken? Gabriel attempted to give his best answer at what life in Cleveland is like right now.

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He admitted he’s thankful to learn from a veteran like Watson.

"Yeah, I think you're around each other all year. I think for the off season, you kind of just do your thing, but, you know, just being back with each other,” he said. “Deshaun's a great dude. Great person to learn from. And just he's got a lot of knowledge. So anytime you can ask questions, I think that's to anyone, you can learn from him."

As far as who will be starting, Gabriel isn’t interested in outside noise, choosing to focus on his “own race.”

"You know, I think I'm just running my own race and focused on what I can control, and that's mastering my reps and doing it a high level."

The Browns have not released a depth chart.

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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 8:15 AM.