Browns make firm quarterback decision after benching Joe Flacco for Dillon Gabriel

Former Oregon Ducks star quarterback Dillon Gabriel got his first taste of NFL action on Sunday, but it won’t be a permanent change going forward. 

Gabriel — now with the Cleveland Browns — saw action in the Browns’ 41-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Starting quarterback Joe Flacco struggled in the loss, completing 25 of his 45 pass attempts for 199 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Gabriel stepped in late in the contest and completed all three of his pass attempts for 20 yards, and the first passing touchdown of his NFL career.

However, after the game, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear that he isn’t considering a permanent QB change, and will continue to roll with Flacco as the starter. 

Gabriel was drafted by the Browns in the third round with the 94th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He spent one season with the Oregon Ducks in 2024, passing for 3,857 yards, with 30 touchdowns and six interceptions. He helped lead Oregon to a 13-1 record, and finished third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy award. 

While he didn’t earn much playing time, Gabriel was impressive during his short stint under center for the Browns, and should give the team a feeling of optimism moving forward.