Standing at 1-3, the Browns finally benched veteran Joe Flacco. The coaching staff has decided to move forward with Dillon Gabriel under center. 

WEWS reporter Camryn Justice shared that the Cleveland Browns OC Tommy Rees, in discussions with Kevin Stefanski, felt it was the right moment to switch quarterbacks from Joe Flacco to Dillon Gabriel.

“Really looking at it as a way to spark the offense and get things going,” Rees said.

What makes them certain about the decision is the way the Browns’ locker room has been “rallying around him.” Perhaps, this move might shift the winds in Cleveland. 

The move became official on Wednesday, when head coach Stefanski called it “best for the football team.” With Gabriel as a starter, veteran quarterback Flacco has been made the backup, and Shedeur Sanders remains QB No. 3. Gabriel previously took over from Flacco during the final drive against Detroit, where his lone pass ended up incomplete. After the loss to the Lions, Stefanski dodged questions about keeping the 16-year veteran as a starter in Week 5. 

Ultimately, Gabriel earned the starter position. In the recent press conference, OC Rees clarified that Flacco isn’t taking this decision as disrespect. In fact, he’s been quite forthcoming in guiding the rookie. “Joe’s been there every step of the way to help [and] support him through this process. Get him ready for his week here in London,” said Rees. 

Like Stefanski said, “This is not about one person,” it’s what’s best for the team. Flacco understands it well. While addressing the news, the veteran admitted that getting benched is tough, but emphaized the dire situation for the offense, which wasn’t improving with him under center. “I think the tougher thing is going through what we’ve gone through over the last four weeks, just not being able to produce the way we wanted to,” he said. 

Even though Flacco’s not the starter anymore, he is still the Browns’ captain. Though Gabriel has adjusted well to the team, he’s still a rookie. Thus, the Browns need Flacco’s leadership. That’s precisely what the 40-year-old is embracing now. He has been a backup before, so he plans to mentor Gabriel and “provide that positive energy and see what he needs on his end.” This camaraderie is what Cleveland is betting their chances on in 2025. 

Dillon Gabriel ready to ignite Browns

When the 24-year-old quarterback got drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft as the 94th pick, he didn’t think he would be leading the command so soon. But now, he’s set to become the 41st quarterback to start for Cleveland since they returned to the league in 1999. It’s the highest count across the NFL. As Gabriel addressed the media, he described his emotions in an interesting metaphor. 

He shared that a friend sent him a picture of a fire station with its garage doors wide open, ready for action. “They’re just waiting on that phone call to respond surgically,” he said. Until then, the rookie didn’t have any words to describe his emotions upon getting this big opportunity. “What a great representation of the job I have and being ready for that moment. I smile because it’s a moment you prep for,” he added. 

But Gabriel isn’t overwhelmed. If anything, he’s embracing the challenge with open arms. “I’ve always been ready for every moment,” he said. Fans, who kept up with the Browns in the preseason, know the potential the young QB possesses. He completed 25 out of 37 passes for 272 yards, along with a touchdown and an interception in two games.

Offensive coordinator Rees also mentioned that Gabriel “is putting in a lot of work to get himself in the right place.” Week 5 international game in London now means more to the Browns as it might set the tone of the season with Gabriel at the helm, whom they wish to make franchise QB.