Breaking: Browns Are Reportedly Making Quarterback Change

The Cleveland Browns are preparing to make a dramatic change at quarterback after a disappointing 1–3 start to the season. According to reports, rookie Dillon Gabriel is expected to take over as the starter in Week 5, replacing veteran Joe Flacco when the Browns face the Minnesota Vikings in London this Sunday.

The move, first reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and later echoed by ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo, reflects not only the team’s offensive struggles but also internal debate within the organization over who should lead the offense moving forward.

If confirmed, this will be Gabriel’s first career NFL start, marking a pivotal moment for both the young quarterback and the Browns’ season.

Flacco’s Decline After Fairytale 2023 Run

Cleveland’s decision comes after weeks of mounting frustrations with Flacco’s play. The 40-year-old signal-caller surprised many this past offseason by winning a crowded quarterback competition over Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders. But while his experience earned him the starting nod, the results have been underwhelming.

Through four weeks, the Browns’ offense has been one of the least productive in the NFL, scoring only 56 total points, ahead of only the Tennessee Titans. Flacco’s numbers have been especially concerning:

2 touchdowns against 6 interceptions

58.1% completion rate (second-worst in the league)

5.1 yards per attempt, among the lowest of any starter

60.3 quarterback rating, dead last in the NFL

His latest outing—a 34-10 loss to the Detroit Lions—proved to be a breaking point. Flacco went 16-for-34 for 184 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns, drawing boos from fans and renewed scrutiny from the media.

After the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the struggles but refused to directly place the blame on Flacco.

“I understand the question, especially when we are struggling the way we are on offense,” Stefanski said. “But that’s not our focus right now. To have any success on either side of the ball, you need to play well and play together. Right now, we have too many things going wrong, and we all own that. It isn’t because of one player.”

Still, the Browns’ front office and coaching staff appear ready to pivot to their young prospect, hoping for a spark.

Who Is Dillon Gabriel?

While Shedeur Sanders was one of the most talked-about quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, it was Gabriel who heard his name called earlier by Cleveland. The Browns selected him in the third round, before grabbing Sanders in the fifth.

Gabriel arrived in the NFL with an impressive college résumé. The left-handed quarterback played six seasons across three programs, most recently at Oregon, where he established himself as one of the nation’s most dynamic passers. Over his career, he threw for 155 touchdowns and capped his collegiate journey by finishing third in the 2024 Heisman Trophy voting. He led Oregon to an undefeated regular season and a Big Ten title before falling to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff.

Cleveland fans got a brief glimpse of Gabriel’s potential in Week 1, when he entered during garbage time of a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He calmly completed all three of his passes for 19 yards and a touchdown, showing poise even in a limited role.

Now, the 24-year-old will be tested on a much bigger stage.

A Daunting First Start

Gabriel’s NFL baptism won’t be easy. His first career start is set for London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against a Minnesota Vikings defense that has been one of the stingiest against the pass this season. The Vikings are allowing just 151.5 passing yards per game, the second-best mark in the league, meaning Gabriel will face immediate pressure to prove he can handle elite NFL defenses.

The Browns are hoping his mobility, strong arm, and creativity can unlock an offense that has looked stagnant and one-dimensional under Flacco. Gabriel’s ability to extend plays and push the ball downfield may bring a new element Cleveland desperately needs.