The Cleveland Browns' quest for a backup quarterback has taken an unexpected turn, drawing attention to the dynamics between two promising young players. Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, both drafted recently, are vying for the coveted spot behind veteran Joe Flacco, who has been named the starter for the September 7 opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
On August 16, Gabriel made his preseason debut against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he completed 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards and one interception. Post-game, he was asked about the competitive atmosphere in the quarterbacks' room. “There’s entertainers and there’s competitors,” Gabriel stated during an interview with CBS Sports. “I totally understand that. My job is to compete and that’s what I’m focused on doing.”
Some observers interpreted Gabriel's remarks as a subtle jab at Sanders, whose lineage as the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has sparked debate over his style versus substance. Following the game, Gabriel sought to clarify his comments, indicating that he was referring to media members as “entertainers.”
“You have a job to do and I respect it,” he explained in a postgame press conference. “I’m a competitor. So I have a job to do, as well. Just understanding that’s how I’ve lived by and I’ve said that multiple times. Definitely not a new quote.”
Gabriel further emphasized team unity, stating, “I’m all about our team and each other… Entertainers are you all. Competitor, that’s what I am, and all my teammates. We both have jobs to do, so that’s it.” Despite his efforts to clarify, the fallout from his initial comments lingered.
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the controversy during an episode of First Take, expressing skepticism about Gabriel's intentions. “Dillon Gabriel, respectfully, it was stupid,” Smith remarked. “A very dumb comment to make. First of all, let me tell you something right now. In every walk of life, far beyond the parameters of a football field, people are competing.”
Smith continued, criticizing Gabriel's perspective: “It was a stupid, idiotic, immature comment because clearly you were feeling the heat because a lot of people were talking about how Shedeur should be QB number two.”
Meanwhile, Sanders is also in the mix for the backup role, having thrown for 138 yards and two touchdowns in a previous preseason game against the Panthers on August 8. However, he is currently sidelined with an oblique injury.
The Browns will conclude their preseason schedule against the Los Angeles Rams on August 23, where further evaluations of both quarterbacks will take place as they vie for a spot on the roster.
