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The Cleveland Browns’ 1-3 start isn’t shocking anyone. In fact, it’s more surprising they’ve managed to scratch out a single win. Kevin Stefanski’s squad currently sits 31st in scoring offense, putting up a meager 14 points per game and failing to crack the 17-point barrier in any contest this season.
Joe Flacco, now 40 years old, has looked every bit his age behind center. The veteran has tossed six interceptions against just two touchdowns through four games while completing only 60.3% of his passes. The numbers tell the story – Cleveland desperately needs a change at quarterback.
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, rookie Dillon Gabriel is expected to take over as the starter when the Browns face the Minnesota Vikings in London during Week 5. This development comes after Stefanski repeatedly dodged questions about potential quarterback changes following Sunday’s loss.
The current belief is that the #Browns are going to make a change at quarterback and start rookie Dillon Gabriel this week vs. the Vikings, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/UKvkzazXWw
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 30, 2025
Gabriel’s first NFL start comes with serious challenges. He’ll face a Vikings defense that currently ranks seventh overall and holds opponents to just 20 points per game. Brian Flores – widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds – will likely welcome the rookie with a barrage of blitzes, taking advantage of Cleveland’s struggling offensive line.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Gabriel’s debut.
Should Gabriel struggle against Minnesota (and the following week against Pittsburgh’s equally formidable defense), it could inadvertently open the door for fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders. While a second QB change likely wouldn’t happen immediately after Week 5, another move could be brewing if Gabriel fails to provide a spark.
Sanders Waiting in the Wings
Nobody expected Gabriel to come off the board before Sanders in April’s draft. The Colorado star’s shocking slide into the fifth round allowed Cleveland to snag Gabriel in the third – but many evaluators still view Sanders as the superior talent with first-round ability.
Gabriel faces obvious physical limitations at just 5-foot-11 with below-average athleticism and arm strength. These shortcomings could be magnified against elite defenses – especially with Cleveland’s lackluster supporting cast. The Browns’ upcoming schedule (Vikings, Steelers) represents a brutal landing spot for any rookie quarterback, let alone one with Gabriel’s profile.
While neither rookie likely represents Cleveland’s long-term answer – the team will probably be eyeing the 2026 draft class for their franchise quarterback – the organization should use this lost season to evaluate both young signal-callers. Benching Flacco signals the Browns’ willingness to make changes, and it’s hard to imagine Gabriel will be the last QB to start for Cleveland in 2025.
Sanders brings intriguing upside that Gabriel might lack. His pinpoint accuracy (74% completion rate at Colorado last season) could translate well to the NFL level. Though Gabriel gets the first crack at the starting job, this quarterback carousel might ultimately benefit Sanders when the dust settles.
The Browns appear headed for a painful rebuilding phase – but at least fans will get a glimpse of what the young quarterbacks can offer before the franchise likely resets at the position next spring.
