Browns Make Bold QB Switch: Joe Flacco to Backup, Dillon Gabriel Starts
In a move shaking up their offense, the Cleveland Browns have benched veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and named rookie Dillon Gabriel as their new starting QB. The decision, revealed in late September 2025 ahead of the Browns’ London showdown against the Vikings, signals a critical pivot in the team’s bid to salvage a sluggish start to the season.
Coach Kevin Stefanski officially announced the change but withheld details about the depth chart after naming Gabriel the starter. Flacco, who began the season as the Browns’ starter, will now serve as a backup, while rookie Shedeur Sanders remains third-string quarterback.
Performance Troubles Prompt the Change
Joe Flacco’s tenure as starter was marred by turnovers and low offensive output. Over four games, he has thrown six interceptions, including two costly picks in the first half against the Detroit Lions’ blowout win. Flacco currently leads the NFL with eight turnovers, and his Total QBR of 27.0 ranks among the lowest qualified passers.
The Browns’ offense has struggled across the board, ranking second-lowest in scoring with an average of 14 points per game. This paltry production adds pressure on the coaching staff to find spark and consistency, prompting the switch to young Dillon Gabriel.
Meet Dillon Gabriel: From College Journeyman to NFL Starter
Drafted 94th overall in April’s 2025 NFL Draft, Dillon Gabriel is a six-year college veteran who played at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. His extensive collegiate experience helped him adapt quickly during preseason practice reps, showing readiness to step into a starting role sooner than anticipated.
Although Gabriel has only seen brief NFL action—relieving Flacco late in losses to the Lions and Ravens—his mobility and accuracy impressed coaches, lending hope that he can stabilize the Browns’ sputtering offense.
Coach Stefanski’s Perspective and Team Dynamics
Coach Stefanski’s public comments have underscored cautious optimism about Gabriel’s potential while acknowledging the difficult decision to bench a seasoned veteran like Flacco. The team sees Gabriel as a catalyst to ignite offensive creativity and reduce costly turnovers.
In a reshaped quarterback room, Flacco’s role will pivot to mentoring Gabriel and providing reliable backup support. Meanwhile, Sanders, the younger rookie, continues as emergency third-stringer, with Kenny Pickett having been traded during the offseason.
What This Means for the Browns’ 2025 Outlook
The quarterback change marks a turning point in a challenging season for Cleveland. Moving forward, much depends on Gabriel’s ability to marshal the offense, protect the football, and connect with the receiving corps.
Success for Gabriel could enhance the Browns’ playoff hopes, while struggles may prompt continued personnel changes or further strategic shifts. The decision reflects a broader NFL trend where teams invest in promising young signal-callers to spark long-term growth.
Fans and Analysts React
Fans have greeted the news with mixed emotions but a willingness to support the rookie’s opportunity. Analysts highlight the risk of benching a proven veteran but also the necessity of change given the offensive woes.
Social media buzz centers on Gabriel’s skill set and potential to become a franchise cornerstone, while some lament Flacco’s fall from grace after a celebrated comeback with the Browns in 2024.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter Begins
The Browns’ bold move to start Dillon Gabriel is as much about hope as strategy. It sets a fresh tone for the franchise, embracing youth and adaptability in an often unforgiving league. As the team prepares for its London game against the Vikings, all eyes will be on Gabriel’s first full game at the helm—and on whether this gamble pays dividends.
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