Browns Replace Flacco, Promote Rookie Gabriel as Starting QB
The Cleveland Browns are making a significant change in their quarterback lineup. Veteran Joe Flacco is being benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel as the starting quarterback. This decision will be effective for their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings in London.
Quarterback Change Announcement
Browns players were informed of this transition on Wednesday morning, according to sources familiar with the situation. The team made the official announcement later that day, though they did not provide details about the depth chart behind Gabriel.
Current Quarterback Roles
- Dillon Gabriel: Starting quarterback
- Joe Flacco: Backup quarterback
- Shedeur Sanders: Third-string quarterback
Flacco, who has started in all four of Cleveland’s games this season, will now serve as a backup. He struggled significantly during this period, throwing six interceptions, including two in the first half of a recent loss to the Detroit Lions.
Gabriel’s Performance and Background
Gabriel entered the game late against the Lions after Flacco’s disappointing performance. Earlier in the season, he also replaced Flacco during the final possessions of a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Coach Kevin Stefanski refrained from confirming whether Flacco would remain the starter after the Lions loss. Flacco currently holds the highest number of turnovers in the NFL, with eight, and his Total QBR of 27.0 is among the lowest for qualifying quarterbacks.
Browns’ Offensive Struggles
As a team, the Browns have faced difficulties on offense, ranking second-lowest in the league with an average of just 14 points per game.
Draft and Development of Dillon Gabriel
Dillon Gabriel was selected by the Browns in April’s draft, picked 94th overall. He played six years at universities including UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, contributing to his readiness for the NFL.
During training camp, Gabriel received substantial practice reps with the starting offense, indicating the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to step up this season.
Flacco’s return to Cleveland followed a season with the Indianapolis Colts, where he signed a one-year contract worth $4 million. Known for his notable comeback in 2023, Flacco was part of a competitive quarterback roster that included both Gabriel and Sanders, particularly after the trade of Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders.
