The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition took an unexpected turn during their preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 16, when rookie QB Dillon Gabriel made a comment that quickly caught attention. Speaking with NFL reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala on the sideline, Gabriel said, “There are entertainers and there are competitors… and my job is to compete.”
The remark immediately sparked speculation that it was aimed at fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, known for his confidence and high-profile presence after transferring from Colorado. But Gabriel quickly clarified his words weren’t directed at anyone in particular, and certainly not at Sanders.
Sanders confirmed on Thursday that the two quarterbacks have already talked it out behind the scenes. He even suggested that a reporter may have been trying to stir up unnecessary drama by pushing the question about Gabriel’s intent.
In a piece published by Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, the idea that Kinkhabwala set Gabriel up to take a jab at Sanders was dismissed as “nonsensical.” According to Lloyd, the interview was just a casual sideline conversation — nothing more.
At the time of the interview, Gabriel had just wrapped up a mixed performance against the Eagles, completing 13-of-18 passes for 143 yards, but also throwing a pick-six and losing a fumble. Sanders sat out that game due to an oblique injury but is expected to suit up for Cleveland’s final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams this Saturday — if cleared to play.
Veteran QB Joe Flacco will get the start, playing about 20–25 snaps. Gabriel is expected to follow, with Sanders playing third. Both young quarterbacks will also make their unofficial home debuts on August 23.
Sanders had a strong showing in the Browns’ preseason opener on August 8 against the Carolina Panthers, completing 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
As for the bigger picture, the Browns don’t appear ready to part ways with any of their four main quarterbacks ahead of Week 1. However, Kenny Pickett, who was expected to serve as the primary backup, has yet to play in the preseason due to a hamstring injury suffered on July 26. There’s a possibility he could start the season on injured reserve.
That means Saturday’s game could carry extra weight, possibly deciding who backs up Flacco when the Browns open their regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7.
Stay tuned — the QB room in Cleveland is getting crowded, and the decisions ahead could shape the early part of the season.
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