Dillon Gabriel appears to throw shade at Browns via Baker Mayfield reference amid jersey decision

Dillon Gabriel has a new number as he continues to try and establish relevancy in the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback battle.

Gabriel debuted his new jersey number throughout last week at Cleveland’s mandatory minicamp, switching from No.8 to No. 6.

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Jared Verse, who was acquired in the Browns’ stunning blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Rams which saw Myles Garrett go the other way, was pictured wearing No.8 at OTAs.

As well as head coach Todd Monken’s harsh comments about the Browns’ QB battle, Verse having the same number as Gabriel gave a good indication as to how the organization feels about him and his place in the pecking order.

Entering his second season in the NFL, Gabriel made waves over the weekend after posting a picture of Baker Mayfield wearing the No.6 during his time with the Browns.

The post has been interpreted as the quarterback seeing his situation mirroring that of Mayfield.

The Browns selected Mayfield with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and struggled in his four seasons.

Cleveland would end up trading Baker to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2024 draft pick.

Present day his career has been rejuvenated with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He led the Bucs to the playoffs in ’23 and ’24 before an injury riddled 2025 campaign snapped the franchises’ five-year streak of appearances.

Gabriel’s cryptic message has left some to speculate whether he is asking for a move away from the franchise who clearly don’t have him part of their plans.

“My guy is literally asking for his release,” one fan joked.

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“Don’t disrespect Baker like that, if you want your move go,” a second added.

“Is this a subtle hint that Dillon wants out of Cleveland? I wouldn’t blame him tbh,” a third said.

Rich Eisen gives brutal Dillon Gabriel assessment

Gabriel underwhelmed during his rookie season after he was pushed into action earlier than expected following Joe Flacco’s trade to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Browns went 1-5 with Gabriel as a starter as he threw for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

His brief run as QB1 ended after he suffered a concussion and fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders took advantage.

Sanders guided Cleveland to four wins, throwing for 1,400 yards and nine touchdowns, earning himself a spot on last season’s Pro Bowl roster.

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The battle to be named Week 1 starter is now seemingly a straight shootout between Shedeur and Deshaun Watson, with Rich Eisen giving a brutal assessment of where Gabriel stands.

“We just heard why Dillon Gabriel’s wearing No. 6: because (head coach Todd) Monken didn’t mention Dillon’s in the running for starter for this team,” Eisen said.

“Shedeur has clearly separated himself from Dillon Gabriel. The Dillon Gabriel vs. Shedeur days appear to be over. He’s talking about Deshaun and Shedeur.”

“Some coaches will be like, ‘The whole quarterback room is involved. Have your head on a swivel if you’re in the quarterback room because I might call your number — 8 or 6.’ It sure sounds like Dillon Gabriel’s got a mountain to climb here.

“That’s what that sounded like to me. He lost his number and apparently his No. 2 on the depth chart ranking.”

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