The Cleveland Browns have made the decision to bench Joe Flacco and start Dillion Gabriel, their rookie quarterback from Oregon.
Gabriel was then picked by the Browns in the third round, No. 94 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Gabriel showed out at Oregon last season and was regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Gabriel also took some snaps in the blowout loss against the Lions on Sunday, but did not do much.
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.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2025
Gabriel’s first NFL start comes Sunday in London vs. the Vikings. pic.twitter.com/lUV1W5RQob
There was lots of controversy between him and Shedeur Sanders fighting for the spot, but clearly, Gabriel was better. Flacco will still serve as the backup, leaving Sanders sitting in the third quarterback position on the depth chart still.
The benching of Flacco has come quickly into the season, but for good reason. The Browns are second to last in total points for, and have the most turnovers in the league. Flacco is a big reason for that, as he has completed only 58% of his passes for 815 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. His quarterback rating comes in at a 27.0, better than only Cam Ward.
The Browns sit at 1-3 and only win comes off a shock 13-10 win against the Packers due to a strong defensive performance.
Gabriel will be the 41st different starter for the Browns since 1999, and will be making his first start against the Vikings in London on Sunday morning.
