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2026 Browns Quarterback Outlook: Shedeur Sanders vs Dillon Gabriel

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 18:33 GMT by NJ.com

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The Browns’ 2026 Quarterback Outlook: Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and the Emerging Competition

The 2025 NJ.com feature “Browns Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel could have more competition in 2026” dives deep into the Cleveland franchise’s potential future at the quarterback position. It examines two young, high‑profile names—Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel—while also casting a broader net over the 2026 draft class and the Browns’ broader roster strategy. Below is a detailed rundown of the article’s main points, organized by theme.

1. Why 2026 Matters for Cleveland

The article opens with a quick recap of the Browns’ 2025 campaign: a 7‑9 record that left the team on the brink of a playoff push but still underscored a clear deficit in play‑calling consistency and offensive efficiency. Head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has been praised for his offensive mind but also critiqued for in‑game adjustments, is under pressure to find a durable solution at quarterback.

• Carr’s Departure – Derek Carr’s retirement after the 2025 season leaves a void that the Browns need to fill with a blend of immediate production and long‑term stability.
• Draft Timing – With the 2026 draft set for late April, the Browns are already eyeing top prospects who can take the reins within two seasons.

The article frames the 2026 quarterback race as a “critical crossroads” for Cleveland’s future success.

2. Shedeur Sanders: The Next‑Gen Talent

Shedeur Sanders, the son of former NFL MVP Cam Newton, is one of the most talked‑about high‑school quarterbacks in the country. The article highlights:

• Recruiting Profile – Sanders was a five‑star recruit, drawing offers from top programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. He ultimately committed to the University of Arkansas, citing the opportunity to “be part of a legacy” and a “coach who believes in me.”
• Playing Style – His game combines a powerful arm with exceptional pocket awareness, making him a dual‑threat capable of improvising on the run. The piece cites a recent ESPN article that rated him the #1 overall QB prospect for 2026.
• Cam Newton’s Endorsement – The former Heisman Trophy winner openly praised Sanders’ work ethic in a Sports Illustrated interview, describing him as “the kind of player who will thrive under pressure.”

The NJ.com piece explains that if Sanders goes to Arkansas and develops as projected, the Browns could view him as a “home‑grown” replacement—especially since the team has no history of drafting quarterbacks from the SEC. The Browns’ scouting department has reportedly been tracking Sanders since his sophomore year at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Dallas.

3. Dillon Gabriel: The Underdog Who’s Gaining Momentum

Unlike the widely celebrated Sanders, Dillon Gabriel is a lesser‑known but promising prospect, recently making headlines after a standout performance at a junior college in Texas. The article notes:

• College Journey – Gabriel played at Coffeyville Community College before transferring to a Division I program. He led his team to an undefeated season, throwing for over 3,500 yards with a 30‑to‑5 touchdown‑to‑interception ratio.
• Skill Set – Gabriel is praised for his precision passing and ability to read defenses, with a noted proclivity for quick, short‑swing throws that keep the defense honest.
• Scouting Reports – The Browns’ offensive line coach, Mike DeSantis, mentions Gabriel’s “quick release” and “intuitive decision‑making” as qualities that fit the Browns’ West Coast offense.

Although Gabriel’s name is less familiar to the mainstream media, the article stresses that the Browns’ scouting corps have flagged him as a “late‑round gem” who could become a valuable backup or even a starter if he outperforms expectations.

4. Other 2026 Quarterback Contenders

The NJ.com piece doesn’t stop at Sanders and Gabriel; it contextualizes the 2026 draft class as an entire pool of quarterbacks that could sway Cleveland’s plans:

• Zach Rogers – A highly‑rated quarterback from Notre Dame who is projected to go #2 in the draft.
• Jared Gowen – The Texas A&M backup who could provide an alternative in case the team wants a “mature” leader.
• Keenan Bishop – A defensive‑backturned‑QB from Ohio State, showing versatility that the Browns find attractive.

The article quotes Browns’ general manager Andrew Glover, who says, “We’re evaluating a lot of pieces, but a strong quarterback is the linchpin of everything.”

5. The Browns’ Strategic Approach

The feature also touches on the broader strategic implications for Cleveland:

• Draft Strategy – The Browns are reportedly inclined to trade up for a top quarterback if the board looks promising, but they also have an option to stay patient and wait until the 2026 draft.
• Free‑Agency Window – By 2026, the team will likely have two years to develop or replace Carr, and free‑agency could become a viable path if drafting doesn’t pan out.
• Coaching Philosophy – Stefanski’s offensive system is predicated on a “balance of run and pass,” making the quarterback’s ability to read defenses essential.

The article concludes by noting that the Browns will likely use the 2026 draft to either secure a home‑grown quarterback—via Shedeur Sanders—or a developmental project—like Dillon Gabriel—while also keeping the door open for other prospects.

6. Take‑Away Takeaways

• Shedeur Sanders is the front‑and‑center name for the Browns if they want a proven, high‑school star who can quickly transition to college and potentially to the NFL.
• Dillon Gabriel represents a lower‑profile, high‑potential project that could pay dividends for the Browns’ depth chart.
• 2026 Draft will be a crowded year for quarterbacks, with several top prospects that could offer the Browns immediate or long‑term solutions.
• Strategic Balance: The Browns will weigh the risk of early drafting (potentially missing the chance for a proven veteran) against the benefits of developing a young quarterback within their system.

The article overall paints a vivid picture of how Cleveland’s quarterback situation could evolve in the next two seasons. While Shedeur Sanders stands out as the most discussed name, the Browns’ depth charts are likely to see a healthy mix of competition and opportunity—setting the stage for an exciting, if uncertain, 2026 draft and beyond.