The Cleveland Browns’ offense has been abysmal throughout the first four weeks of the season, with veteran quarterback Shedeur Sanders throwing more interceptions than touchdowns for what’s been one of the most stagnant offenses in the NFL.
Now, head coach Kevin Stefanski is making a change at the position, according to one of the league’s leading insiders.
“Change in Cleveland: Browns are benching veteran QB Joe Flacco in favor of rookie QB Dillon Gabriel, per sources. The Browns were informed of the change this morning. Gabriel’s first NFL start comes Sunday in London vs. the Vikings,” reported Adam Schefter, ESPN’s senior NFL insider, on Monday.
Schefter followed up with how the rest of the quarterback room will shake out after Gabriel claims the number one spot.
“Joe Flacco will serve as Dillon Gabriel’s backup and Shedeur Sanders will remain Cleveland’s third-string QB.”
Joe Flacco will serve as Dillon Gabriel’s backup and Shedeur Sanders will remain Cleveland’s third-string QB. https://t.co/7Z2jDzGqfo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2025
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“Thats some bs i hope Clevand never win again and Shedeur win 3 superbowls cs this is wild,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Nah bro there’s some nasty things occurring to prevent Shedeur from succeeding,” someone else added.
“And when Gabriel throws picks like Flacco did, by Thanksgiving, Gabriel will be the third string, Flacco will be the backup,” another fan wrote.
It’ll be interesting to see if Sanders tries to force his way out of Cleveland after being buried on the depth chart once again.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.