Browns Willing to Trade Quarterback After Shedeur Sanders' Late-Season Starts

Cleveland's QB situation remains uncertain as they consider options, including moving on from Dillon Gabriel.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns are reportedly open to trading quarterback Dillon Gabriel if they decide to bring in another QB to compete for the starting job. Gabriel, a third-round pick last season, has had opportunities to show what he can do in the Browns' system, but the team's plans at the position remain in question. According to reports, the Browns could look to move on from Gabriel if they can get a reasonable return for him.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback situation has been an ongoing issue for the team, and they are exploring all options to find the right long-term solution at the position. Trading Gabriel could open the door for the Browns to pursue another QB, either through the draft or free agency, as they look to solidify the position and build a contending team.

The details

Dillon Gabriel was drafted by the Browns in the third round last season, but has struggled to cement himself as the team's long-term answer at quarterback. With the potential addition of another QB, the Browns could decide to move on from Gabriel if they feel they can get good value in a trade. The team's offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, may have seen enough of Gabriel and could be open to bringing in a new signal-caller to compete for the starting job.

  • In the 2026 NFL season, Shedeur Sanders started multiple games for the Browns late in the year.

The players

Dillon Gabriel

A third-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2025 who has started multiple games for the team but whose future with the organization remains uncertain.

Todd Monken

The offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns who may have seen enough of Dillon Gabriel and could be open to bringing in a new quarterback to compete for the starting job.

Shedeur Sanders

The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders started multiple games for the Browns late in the 2026 season, potentially impacting the team's quarterback situation going forward.

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What they’re saying

“If they bring in another guy, then I think they would be open to trading Dillon Gabriel. So, I think that's something to watch for over the next week.”

— Mary Kay Cabot, Browns reporter (sportingnews.com)

“If they can get something for Dillon, maybe they've seen enough of him. And, maybe Todd Monken has seen enough of him.”

— Mary Kay Cabot, Browns reporter (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The Browns will have to decide in the coming weeks whether to bring in another quarterback to compete with Dillon Gabriel, which could lead to Gabriel being traded if the team feels they can get a reasonable return.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation remains unsettled, and they are willing to explore all options, including trading Dillon Gabriel, in order to find the right long-term solution at the position. This highlights the ongoing challenges the team has faced in solidifying the QB spot and the need to make tough decisions in order to improve the roster.