By The Cleveland Browns trade Dillon Gabriel conversation is heating up — and NFL fans want answers. TrendingUpdatesToday.com is breaking down everything you need to know about the Browns quarterback situation heading into the 2026 offseason. The Browns are open to moving Gabriel if they add another signal-caller, according to Cleveland insider Mary Kay Cabot. Here’s what that means for Shedeur Sanders, Todd Monken, and the franchise’s future under center.
Why the Cleveland Browns Trade Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel was drafted in the third round in 2025 — just one year ago. But the Browns quarterback situation has shifted dramatically. Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round pick from Colorado, earned late-season starts and gave the coaching staff something to think about.
Cabot told reporters: “If they bring in another guy, then I think they would be open to trading Dillon Gabriel.” She also suggested Todd Monken, Cleveland’s offensive coordinator, may have seen enough of Gabriel to make this call.
A Cleveland Browns trade of Dillon Gabriel is not a done deal — but the fact that it is on the table tells you everything about where the Browns quarterback situation stands.
Shedeur Sanders’ Role in the Cleveland Browns Trade Dillon Gabriel Decision
Sanders started in Weeks 11 and 12 of the 2025 season after Gabriel dealt with a concussion. The Colorado product showed enough promise that the Browns kept him as starter even after Gabriel cleared protocol.
That late-season momentum matters. The Browns quarterback depth chart heading into 2026 now appears to favor Sanders as the future face of the franchise. A potential Cleveland Browns trade of Dillon Gabriel would clear the path for Sanders to compete for the starting role without a crowded room.
Key facts about Shedeur Sanders’ 2025 rookie season:
- Debuted in Week 11 after Gabriel’s concussion
- Made first NFL start in Week 12 vs. the Raiders
- Retained the starting role even when Gabriel was healthy
- Drafted 144th overall after a dramatic draft-day slide
Dillon Gabriel vs. Shedeur Sanders: 2025 Rookie Comparison
| Category | Dillon Gabriel | Shedeur Sanders |
| Draft Round (2025) | 3rd Round | 5th Round (Pick 144) |
| College | Oregon (Heisman Finalist) | Colorado (4,134 yds, 37 TDs) |
| First NFL Start | Week 5 (London vs. Vikings) | Week 12 (vs. Raiders) |
| 2025 Status | Lost starter role (concussion) | Kept starting role late season |
| 2026 Trade Risk | HIGH — Browns open to deal | LOW — seen as franchise future |
What a Cleveland Browns Trade Dillon Gabriel Would Mean
If the Browns bring in a veteran quarterback through free agency or a trade, a Cleveland Browns trade of Dillon Gabriel becomes the logical next move. Cleveland has been one of the NFL’s most unsettled franchises at the position for years.
With Deshaun Watson’s massive contract finally off the books and the Browns 2026 offseason officially underway, general manager Andrew Berry has flexibility. Moving Gabriel could free up a roster spot, return a mid-round pick, and give Shedeur Sanders a cleaner path to becoming the Browns starter.
Todd Monken’s Opinion Could Decide Everything
Cabot specifically called out Todd Monken by name. That matters. If the offensive coordinator has lost confidence in Gabriel’s ability to run the scheme, that is a hard opinion to overcome. The Browns quarterback situation ultimately answers to what Monken — and head coach Kevin Stefanski — believe about each player’s ceiling.
Browns 2026 Offseason QB Options
The Browns are not short on options. Here are the most likely quarterback paths Cleveland is exploring:
- Sign a veteran free agent to bridge the gap for Sanders
- Target a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Execute a Cleveland Browns trade of Dillon Gabriel for draft capital
- Keep all options open and let training camp decide
Each path affects how the Browns quarterback depth chart looks in September. Fans and analysts across the NFL are watching closely.
Cleveland Browns trade Dillon Gabriel, FAQ’s
1. Will the Cleveland Browns trade Dillon Gabriel?
It is possible. The Browns are open to a Cleveland Browns trade of Dillon Gabriel if they add another quarterback. Insider Mary Kay Cabot reported this in March 2026.
2. Why would the Browns trade a third-round pick so soon?
Gabriel has had multiple chances to start. After Shedeur Sanders performed in late-season starts, the Browns quarterback situation shifted. The team may feel Sanders is the better long-term option.
3. Is Shedeur Sanders the Browns’ starter for 2026?
Nothing is official yet. But the Browns quarterback depth chart appears to lean toward Sanders as the future. A Cleveland Browns trade of Gabriel would cement that direction.
4. What would the Browns get in a Dillon Gabriel trade?
A mid-round draft pick is the most realistic return. Gabriel has NFL starting experience and college pedigree, which gives him trade value even after a tough rookie year.
5. Who is Todd Monken and why does his view matter?
Todd Monken is Cleveland’s offensive coordinator. Cabot specifically said Monken may have ‘seen enough’ of Gabriel — meaning the Browns quarterback situation could hinge on his evaluation.
Final Takeaway: Cleveland Browns trade Dillon Gabriel
The Cleveland Browns trade Dillon Gabriel discussion is real, and it is building fast. With the 2026 NFL offseason in full swing, the Browns quarterback situation demands a decision. The window to acquire a veteran, trade Gabriel, and build around Shedeur Sanders is narrow.
The Browns have spent years searching for a franchise quarterback. Now, for the first time in a long time, they may actually have one in Sanders. Whether they execute a Cleveland Browns trade of Dillon Gabriel to make room depends on what happens in the next few weeks — and TrendingUpdatesToday.com will keep you updated every step of the way.
Sources
1. The Sporting News / Yahoo Sports — Cleveland Browns willing to trade quarterback after Shedeur Sanders late season starts
2. Sports Illustrated — Browns Officially Name Shedeur Sanders As Dillon Gabriel’s Backup vs. Steelers
3. Bleacher Report — Browns’ Depth Chart, NFL Salary Cap after Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel Draft Picks
4. NFL.com — Official NFL Team Roster & Transactions: Cleveland Browns