The Cleveland Browns are making a major change at quarterback ahead of their trip overseas.
Veteran Joe Flacco, 40, who engineered Cleveland’s playoff run in 2023, has been benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel, according to sources familiar with the decision. Players were informed of the move Tuesday morning.
Gabriel, a draft pick out of Oregon, will make his first NFL start Sunday when the Browns face the Minnesota Vikings in London.
Flacco signed with Cleveland midway through the 2023 season and quickly became a fan favorite after leading the Browns to the postseason. He re-signed with the team during the offseason and opened this year as the starter.
But after an uneven start to the 2025 campaign, coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff opted to give Gabriel the reins. The rookie impressed in training camp and preseason, showing poise in the pocket and the ability to extend plays with his legs.
Cleveland’s offense has sputtered in recent weeks, and team officials hope Gabriel can provide a spark as the Browns (record) prepare for their first international game since 2017.
Flacco will now backup Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders will remain as QB3.
