Dillon Gabriel

Career StatsD+

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	INT	RTG
Career		10	937	7	2	80.8
2025		10	937	7	2	80.8

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Browns struck gold with Dillon Gabriel's four-year, $6.2M deal, securing what amounts to a premium backup quarterback at developmental player prices. Gabriel's A- CVI reflects exceptional value for a rotational player earning just $1.6M annually — that's barely above league minimum for a position where competent reserves typically command $3-5M per year. At 23, Gabriel brings legitimate starting experience from his prolific college career at Oregon, making this contract a shrewd investment in potential upside rather than just roster depth. The minimal guaranteed money ($1.2M) gives Cleveland tremendous flexibility while the four-year term allows them to develop Gabriel without the pressure of immediate renegotiation. This deal exemplifies smart roster construction — the Browns get a young quarterback with legitimate arm talent and processing ability for the cost of a special teams contributor, creating either a valuable trade asset or insurance policy behind Deshaun Watson.

Performance Analysis

Dillon Gabriel earns a D+ for the Browns at quarterback, a rookie who has shown the composure and intelligence that made him one of the most experienced college quarterbacks in history. Gabriel processes defenses quickly and gets the ball out on time, which has helped him avoid the catastrophic mistakes that sink young quarterbacks. His arm strength is limited by NFL standards, which caps his ability to push the ball downfield consistently. Cleveland is giving him time to develop, and the early returns have been promising if unspectacular. Gabriel may never be a Pro Bowl quarterback, but he has shown enough to be a competent starter who manages the offense efficiently.

Current Sentiment

Dillon Gabriel enters 2026 as a legitimately struggling quarterback facing serious competition for his roster spot, with a D+ performance grade reflecting genuine on-field deficiencies rather than media noise. The headlines about reality checks and rival opportunities are not clickbait—they reflect authentic concerns about his ability to execute at an NFL level, evidenced by a career 80.8 passer rating that sits well below league average. At $1.6M annually, Gabriel remains a low-cost depth option, but the Browns' openness to competition signals organizational doubt about his viability as a starting solution. While the fiancée announcement represents normal life progression, it does not meaningfully impact what appears to be a credibility crisis on the field. Unless Gabriel demonstrates marked improvement during training camp and preseason, his standing figures to deteriorate further, with roster survival itself becoming the relevant question rather than starting role security.