Browns’ Dillon Gabriel gets real on being overlooked in QB battle

Dillon Gabriel isn’t taking his lack of notice in the quarterback battle personally while he prepares for the Cleveland Browns’ 2026 campaign.

Gabriel is gearing up for the second year of his career with the Browns, being a third-round selection in the 2025 draft. He made six starts throughout his 10 appearances as a rookie, switching between Joe Flacco and Shedeur Sanders.

Now the quarterback room features him, Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Taylen Green. Watson and Sanders are in the top two for the starting job, leaving Gabriel on the outside looking in. That isn’t frustrating him, as he focuses on improving his game while helping his team in any way he can.

“Never disrespected,” Gabriel told reporters on Wednesday, via ProFootballTalk. “I don’t take things personally, it’s a business. I’m focused on what I need to do to get better, and that’s all I’m focused on. I’m present with that.”

“I’m really just focused on mastering my reps,” Gabriel said. “I really appreciate [pass game coordinator] Danny Bryer and [senior director of player development] James Cook. James Cook and [offensive skill development specialist] Demetric Felton are big on walkthroughs in the morning, which helps set me up for a good day. And afterwards with Danny Bryer, a guy I’ve really leaned on, getting coached up — three or five reps, talking through it as best I can and improving. And same with [assistant quarterbacks] coach [Matt] Baker, he’s been really good for me.”

What lies ahead for Dillon Gabriel, Browns

Dillon Gabriel looks to prove doubters while proving his worth in the league with the Browns.

The Browns will attempt to improve on their 5-12 record from 2025. They also intend to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence, and end their 33-season division title drought, last winning one in 1989.

Cleveland will have the first two games of its 2026 campaign start on the road. They take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. ET before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. ET.

The post Browns’ Dillon Gabriel gets real on being overlooked in QB battle appeared first on ClutchPoints.