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Browns Likely to Trade QB Dillon Gabriel, 49ers a Potential Landing Spot

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 3:35 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Ohio, California, UNITED STATES

Cleveland, OH - February 17th, 2026 - The Cleveland Browns appear set to part ways with quarterback Dillon Gabriel, opening up a potential trade market that could see the young signal-caller land with the San Francisco 49ers. Reports indicate the Browns are increasingly likely to release or trade Gabriel before the 2026 season, signaling a shift in strategy at the backup quarterback position.

Initially drafted in the latter rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft, Gabriel entered the 2023 season as the primary understudy to Deshaun Watson. However, despite showcasing moments of potential, his performance proved inconsistent, ultimately failing to cement his role as the Browns' long-term solution behind center. During the 2023 campaign, Gabriel completed 64.2% of his passes for 1,317 yards, recording six touchdowns against seven interceptions. He added a modest 189 rushing yards, demonstrating some mobility, but not enough to overshadow his turnover issues.

Browns' Evolving QB Strategy

The decision to move on from Gabriel isn't a reflection of outright failure, but rather a pragmatic assessment of the Browns' quarterback depth chart. With Watson firmly established as the starter - and having signed a significant contract extension through 2028 - the Browns are prioritizing a more reliable and experienced backup. The team has been actively exploring free agency and draft prospects to address this need, aiming for a player who can seamlessly step in should Watson face injury or require rest. Recent acquisitions, including bolstering the offensive line and adding receiving threats, suggest the Browns are committed to maximizing their offensive potential, and a dependable backup quarterback is viewed as crucial to that plan. Reports indicate the Browns front office believes a late-round draft pick and potential conditional picks based on performance, would be a fair return for Gabriel.

49ers' Quarterback Carousel Continues

The San Francisco 49ers, meanwhile, find themselves in a familiar position: searching for a consistent quarterback to support their Super Bowl aspirations. Since 2022, the 49ers have cycled through various signal-callers, experiencing underwhelming results with Mac Jones and Sam Darnold. While Brock Purdy has shown promise as a starter, his injury history and occasional inconsistencies underscore the need for a capable backup. The 49ers are keen to avoid a repeat of past seasons where a lack of depth at the quarterback position derailed promising campaigns.

Gabriel presents an intriguing option for San Francisco. At 25 years old (as of February 2026), he's still developing and possesses the arm talent and athleticism to succeed in the 49ers' offensive scheme. A change of scenery, coupled with the guidance of head coach Kyle Shanahan, could unlock Gabriel's potential and transform him into a valuable asset. The 49ers coaching staff are known for their ability to develop quarterbacks, and they might see Gabriel as a project worth investing in.

Financial Implications and Trade Value

Gabriel is currently in the third year of a four-year, $8.6 million contract. This relatively modest salary makes him an attractive trade target for teams like the 49ers, who may be hesitant to commit significant resources to a backup quarterback. The Browns, while hoping for a late-round draft pick in return, may have to settle for a conditional pick, contingent on Gabriel's performance with his new team. The trade market for backup quarterbacks is often fluid, and the Browns may also consider accepting a package of players instead of draft capital.

Potential Ripple Effects

The Browns' decision to trade Gabriel could also have implications for other teams in the league. Several quarterback-needy franchises may emerge as potential suitors, driving up the price for a young player with some NFL experience. The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Rams are both teams who have publicly expressed interest in finding more depth at the quarterback position. Furthermore, the move could accelerate the Browns' pursuit of a more established backup quarterback through free agency or the draft. The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to feature a strong class of quarterback prospects, and the Browns may prioritize drafting a player to compete for the backup role.

Ultimately, the trade of Dillon Gabriel represents a calculated risk for both the Browns and the 49ers. For Cleveland, it's an opportunity to upgrade their quarterback depth and maximize their offensive potential. For San Francisco, it's a chance to add a promising young player who could provide much-needed insurance behind Brock Purdy and potentially develop into a future starter.