The Cleveland Browns have named rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel as the backup to starting quarterback Joe Flacco for the 2025 season, sidelining fifth-round draft pick Shedeur Sanders. This decision was made after a comprehensive evaluation of both players, with head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasizing the importance of their performance in games and practice. Stefanski highlighted that Gabriel is seen as someone who is continually improving, which led to his selection as the backup. In contrast, Sanders, who was taken in the fifth round in April, will serve as the emergency third quarterback for the season, though he will remain on the 53-man roster and could still develop into a key player.
The decision to select Gabriel over Sanders was part of a larger set of adjustments made by the Browns as they finalized their 53-man roster ahead of the league’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. One of the key moves was the decision to trade veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders, who were in desperate need of a backup after Aidan O’Connell suffered a fractured wrist during the team’s preseason finale. Additionally, Tyler