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Browns' QB Competition Heats Up: Gabriel vs. Licata

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, March 12th 2026 at 2:43 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Ohio, Texas, California, UNITED STATES

CLEVELAND, OH - March 12, 2026 - As the Cleveland Browns navigate the early stages of the 2026 offseason, the focus is shifting beyond solidifying their starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, to addressing the critical backup position. A competition is unfolding between incumbent Dillon Gabriel and rising practice squad player Joey Licata, promising a potentially intriguing battle throughout training camp and preseason.

Coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the media at the NFL owners meetings in Orlando, confirming Watson's status as the unquestioned starter. However, he emphasized the importance of building a robust quarterback room. "Deshaun's going to be our guy, and we need to make sure we have the right people around him," Stefanski stated, subtly highlighting the significance of a capable backup. The decision isn't merely about finding someone to hold a clipboard; it's about securing a player who can confidently step in should the unexpected occur - whether due to injury, illness, or strategic reasons.

Gabriel, having spent the 2025 season with the Browns, brings valuable experience to the table. While primarily a reserve, he did see limited action in a Week 16 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 8 of 14 passes for 92 yards. Though a small sample size, this provided a glimpse of his abilities under live NFL conditions, offering the coaching staff a degree of familiarity. He understands the Browns' offensive system and has had time to integrate into the team's culture. This existing knowledge base represents a significant advantage.

However, Gabriel's performance against the Steelers, while not disastrous, wasn't overwhelmingly impressive. Questions remain about his ability to consistently deliver under pressure and make critical plays when called upon. The Browns will be keenly observing his development throughout the offseason program, focusing on improvements in accuracy, decision-making, and overall command of the offense. His arm strength and ability to read defenses will be scrutinized.

Licata, on the other hand, represents a wildcard. Having spent the majority of the 2025 season on the practice squad, he's largely an unknown quantity to many Browns fans. Yet, his dedication to improving his game and mastering the nuances of the Browns' offense hasn't gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. Licata's emergence as a legitimate contender suggests he possesses untapped potential. The Browns may see him as a developmental prospect with a higher ceiling than Gabriel, even if he lacks NFL game experience.

This competition isn't just about on-field performance. Leadership qualities, ability to absorb coaching, and demonstrated work ethic will all play a crucial role in the final decision. The backup quarterback must be a reliable presence in the quarterback room, capable of supporting Watson and contributing to a positive team environment. The Browns will likely assess each player's ability to mentor young players and contribute to film study sessions.

Several factors are influencing the Browns' evaluation process. The increased emphasis on quarterback health and injury prevention in the modern NFL makes a dependable backup more critical than ever. Teams are increasingly reluctant to expose their starters to unnecessary risks, particularly in preseason games. This means the backup quarterback may see more meaningful snaps during the preseason than in years past, offering a more accurate assessment of their capabilities. Furthermore, the evolving landscape of offensive football, with its emphasis on versatility and adaptability, demands a backup quarterback who can seamlessly execute different offensive schemes.

Analysts predict the Browns will weigh Gabriel's experience against Licata's potential very carefully. The Browns coaching staff will be looking for which player best fits the mold of a modern backup quarterback - someone who can manage a game, avoid costly turnovers, and potentially even provide a spark if needed. The coming months promise a captivating quarterback competition, and the outcome will have significant implications for the Browns' depth at the most crucial position in football.