The Cleveland Browns face a crucial test as Dillon Gabriel’s future hangs in the balance. The rookie stepped into the starting role after Joe Flacco’s shaky performances. Now he must prove that he’s not just a placeholder but a quarterback capable of steadying a notoriously fragile franchise. 

On 92.3 The Fan during The Ken Carman Show, a tough question was asked by Anthony Lima. “What are the odds Dillon Gabriel holds this starting quarterback position for the rest of the year?” NFL Insider John Greco didn’t mince words.

“Oh god, the rest of the year. I would not bet on that,” he said. Even factoring in Gabriel’s health, Greco couldn’t back him fully: “If I was in Vegas, I would not bet on that. I hope he does.” The skepticism isn’t just about the player; it’s about the chaos inside the Browns organization and the pressure cooker atmosphere bearing down on the young QB.

Despite the doubts, Gabriel showed promise in his first start, stepping in after Flacco’s departure. His numbers were decent: 190 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers. But the Browns still fell short, losing 21-17 to the Minnesota Vikings in London.

Greco continued with optimism, “I hope the guy stays healthy – continues to improve, and I hope that Kevin Stefanski can put him in a good position to try to win games for this team.” Even head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the positives after Gabriel’s regular-season debut.

“A lot of positives. Obviously can always better…I thought was a lot of positives with plenty to clean up. And that’s what he will do,” Stefanski said. Meanwhile, the backdrop is grim.

Gabriel became the 17th straight Browns QB to lose their career debut since the franchise’s 1999 rebirth. That’s a curse that looms large, reminding everyone that Cleveland’s quarterback situation is about the weight of expectations and a locker room craving stability. 

Shedeur Sanders, the third-string rookie, waits in the wings, shining in preseason but silent since Gabriel’s promotion. And this is not all. The Browns face another brutal truth: They have another veteran QB, but his return? Still questionable.

Deshaun Watson’s return is uncertain

After a devastating Achilles injury in October 2024 and a second surgery in January, Deshaun Watson’s return to the field remains uncertain. Despite clearing the mandatory four-game absence, the Browns decided not to open his 21-day practice window this week. 

That window is critical; if it remains closed, Watson won’t suit up this season.

And there’s the financial angle: Watson’s $230 million guaranteed contract carries insurance clauses that the Browns might recover if he doesn’t return this year. Browns reporter Scott Petrak summed it up: “Browns won’t be opening the practice window for Deshaun Watson this week. He remains on PUP as he rehabs.”

Watson’s social media brims with determination, promising to come back better than ever. “Everyone is doubting me; everyone don’t believe in me…But I know, and I believe the work that I put in…I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.” Still, NFL insiders doubt a 2025 return. 

Ian Rapoport from NFL Network labeled Watson’s comeback “unlikely” this season, emphasizing the team’s need to evaluate rookie talent in a critical development year. Rapoport bluntly said, “If Gabriel or Sanders emerges in a real way this year, that makes next year easier.” The Browns are bracing for a quarterback future that might exclude their highest-paid star for months longer than hoped.