Cleveland Browns: Quarterback D-Day is looming on the horizon

October 20, 2026

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has shifted dramatically since the season began, with Deshaun Watson now firmly entrenched as the starter for the foreseeable future—barring injury. Despite Watson’s struggles—ranking fourth in interception/sack rate (11.8%), third-worst in explosive pass rate (9.1%), and second-worst in completion percentage over expectation—the Browns are leading the AFC North after a win over the Baltimore Ravens.

The offensive line’s failure to protect him (40% pressure rate, the fourth-highest in the NFL) and the league’s worst rushing attack (34.4% success rate) further complicate his performance, though Watson’s extended ball retention shares blame for the pressure he faces.

With Watson’s status settled, the Browns now face a critical decision: what to do with backup Dillon Gabriel, whose 21-day practice window expires October 27. General manager Andrew Berry and head coach Todd Monken must choose between keeping Gabriel on the 53-man roster, returning him to injured reserve, trading him, or releasing him.

The roster already includes Shedeur Sanders and rookie Taylen Green, raising questions about whether Cleveland should carry four quarterbacks amid other positional injuries. Gabriel, often viewed as a reliable backup, could be a trade asset, while Sanders’ recent agent hiring adds another layer of uncertainty to the decision-making process.