Browns May Swap Dillon Gabriel in for Joe Flacco Much Earlier Than Expected
Common logic dictates that the Cleveland Browns ride with Joe Flacco as QB1 for at least the first one-third of the season, but pressures on the front office and the coaching staff could dictate otherwise.
Cleveland opens the year against the Cincinnati Bengals before playing five straight games against playoff teams from the 2024 campaign. Considering the schedule, the team’s roster deficiencies and the poor injury luck this offseason that has exacerbated those deficiencies, there is a reasonable chance the Browns could be 2-4, 1-5 or even 0-6 once that stretch of contests concludes.
That wouldn’t be great for locker room morale or the issues the team already has with attracting free agents to a small, cold-weather market. It would, however, allow the likes of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders to practice and learn more, acclimate to the NFL game to a further degree and avoid confidence-shattering blowouts such as either rookie QB might face if he plays during the Browns’ brutal run of opening games.
However, fans have a taste for postseason play after appearances in 2020 and 2023, and could turn on the team if its season is essentially over weeks before it even hits the midpoint. As such, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com wrote recently that the Browns’ decision-makers won’t hesitate to transition to Gabriel earlier than most expect if things go off the rails in, say, the first month of the campaign.
Dillon Gabriel First in Line for Starting Job if Joe Flacco Struggles, Shedeur Sanders May See Time Eventually
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Cabot made her assertion on Sunday, August 31.
“If it’s going well and the Browns are scoring points, Flacco will continue on. But if he’s turning the ball over or taking sacks, the Browns will hand the reins to Gabriel without hesitation,” Cabot wrote. “They loved what they saw of Gabriel in camp and preseason games, and won’t hesitate to start him even if it’s early in the season.”
She added a throw-in about Sanders, who is QB3 on the roster now but could also get some run as the team’s starter late in the season after Flacco and Gabriel have had their cracks, and if Cleveland isn’t in playoff contention under the leadership of either one of them.
“As for Sanders, he’ll also get some live action this season, but probably not until later in the season when he’s more seasoned,” Cabot continued.
Browns Can’t Turn to Kenny Pickett, Could Rely on Bailey Zappe if Dillon Gabriel Isn’t Ready to Play Early
GettyThe Cleveland Browns traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders in August 2025.
If Flacco does struggle, the Browns would have likely turned to Kenny Pickett had they kept him on the roster. However, the Las Vegas Raiders came calling with a trade offer of a fifth-round pick after their backup QB, Aidan O’Connell, went down with a wrist injury that might sideline him for up to two months.
Cleveland was able to recoup the fifth-round pick it sent to the Philadelphia Eagles for Pickett in March and still head into the year with a veteran starter as a buffer for its two rookie QBs.
The Browns employed Tyler Huntley for the second consecutive preseason, but cut him loose ahead of the composition of their first unofficial 53-man roster. In the meantime, Cleveland added fourth-year signal-caller Bailey Zappe, presumably to reside on the practice squad — at least for now.
It is unclear if, or when, Zappe might get a shot at the starting job, though he could be early relief for Gabriel if the Browns don’t think he’s ready to go.
Bry Burrows and Jalen Hurts' Heartfelt Gesture Stuns the Sports World: Adopting an Orphaned 6-Year-Old Girl from the Texas Hill Country Floods
In a world often consumed by headlines of contracts, trades, and game-time drama, two NFL stars have sparked a wave of compassion that transcends the sports world. Bry Burrows and Jalen Hurts, names synonymous with athletic prowess, have captured the attention of millions, but not for their play on the field—this time, it’s for their selfless act off it.
In early July, Texas Hill Country was struck by a catastrophic flood that left families devastated and several children orphaned. The tragedy captured the nation’s attention, but nothing could prepare the public for the heartwarming twist that came just weeks later.
The Unlikely Heroes: Bry Burrows and Jalen Hurts
Bry Burrows, a standout athlete known for his strength and leadership, and Jalen Hurts, one of the most promising quarterbacks in the NFL, are both revered for their talent, but this latest move has shown the depth of their character.
The pair shocked the world when they made the decision to fly to Texas to adopt a 6-year-old girl who had lost both of her parents in the floods. Burrows and Hurts, who had no previous connection to the young girl, were deeply moved by her heartbreaking story. After hearing about her situation through a local charity, the two athletes made the decision to take matters into their own hands and give this child a chance at a brighter future.
A New Beginning for a Young Girl
For many, the idea of adopting a child from such tragic circumstances might seem like an insurmountable challenge. But for Burrows and Hurts, the idea was an easy one. After extensive arrangements, they flew to Texas, where they met the young girl in an emotional, tear-filled meeting that had everyone in attendance reaching for their tissues.
“We knew we had to do something,” said Hurts, speaking publicly for the first time since the adoption. “It wasn’t a decision made lightly. This is a human being who needs love, stability, and a future—how could we not step up?”
The adoption process, though challenging, was carried out with speed and care. The two athletes were reportedly moved by the girl's resilience in the face of such loss. Despite the overwhelming tragedy, the young girl’s spirit remained strong. Her smile, despite everything, captivated the hearts of Burrows and Hurts, solidifying their decision to adopt her.
A Ripple Effect Across the Nation
News of the adoption quickly spread beyond the sports community, igniting a wave of support. Fans, fellow athletes, and even non-sports figures have expressed admiration for Burrows and Hurts, who, in a world where celebrity often takes center stage, chose to turn the spotlight on a young girl in need.
"These two athletes didn't just win a game or a championship," said sports analyst Ashley Adams. "They’ve done something far greater—showing us all that the game of life is about love, care, and standing up when we can make a difference. This is a moment that will define their legacy."
A Future Beyond the Field
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For Burrows and Hurts, this act of kindness marks a significant moment in their lives. Their commitment to family and community goes beyond any touchdown or victory lap. Hurts, known for his leadership both on and off the field, said that this adoption was an extension of his values.
“I’m blessed to be in a position to help,” Hurts added. “Sometimes, the biggest wins come off the field. We hope this story inspires others to do whatever they can to make a difference.”
As the sports world continues to be captivated by the heroics of Burrows and Hurts, the impact of their adoption continues to ripple through the nation. It’s a reminder that, in the end, no amount of fame or wealth can compare to the joy of offering love and a future to someone in need.
In a year full of high-stakes trades, big wins, and towering performances, this may be the most impactful move of all. Bry Burrows and Jalen Hurts have proven that the greatest victories don’t always come from the field—they come from the heart.
