Browns Predicted to Replace Dillon Gabriel, Add ‘Legit Star’ for Struggling Offense
It’s not likely that a reminder on this is needed, but the Browns have scored a measly 126 points this season, which ranks No. 29 in the NFL. They’ve gained, too, just 2,108 yards this year, which ranks 31st, and with rookie running back Quinshon Judkins on board, the strength of the offense is the ground game. It averages 89.5 yards, which is 28th.
For this offense, 28th is a highlight.
It’s safe to say that, no matter what happens from here for the Browns, barring some massive improvement from quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the team’s offense will look significantly different in 2026 than it has in 2025. It certainly can’t get much worse.
But, the Browns will enter next year’s offseason with the benefit of two big pieces on their ledger: their own draft pick and that of the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the passing of the NFL trade deadline this week, several outlets delved into revamped mock drafts–which make for exciting times for Browns backers tired of watching the team’s flimsy current offense operate.
Browns Could Eye Ty Simpson
At The Athletic, the Browns are leaning in heavily on the need to rip up 2025 and start all over. Assuming we see nothing new from Gabriel, that backup fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders does not wow the team late in the season and that Deshaun Watson remains in exile, quarterback will be the No.1 priority, even if this is not a sure-thing quarterback draft.
One guy climbing the charts, though: Ty Simpson of Alabama, whose team has won eight straight and is No. 4 in the nation following a win over LSU. Simpson was 21-for-35 with a touchdown against a tough LSU defense, and has thrown 21 TDs against just one interception this year.
Ty Simpson Top QB in 2026?
For The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner, Simpson could be the top QB in the draft, and lands to Cleveland at No. 8 in this week’s mock. Much can change, of course, either with Simpson’s stock, with the Browns’ draft position and with the possibility of late-rising QBs in the first round.
But Simpson to the Browns makes some sense.
Baumgardner writes: “Of all the quarterbacks in the 2026 class, Simpson has been the most consistent processor, helping to pick Alabama up off the mat after a season-opening loss and climb into College Football Playoff position. I don’t believe this is too high for Simpson, either — he could easily finish the year as QB1.”
Browns Adding a Star WR, Too
But there’s more. With the Jaguars’ pick at No. 18, The Athletic sees the Browns seeking to spice up their playmaker haul by adding Chris Bell from Louisville. Bell has been one of the most consistent targets in college football this season, and logged six catches in the Cardinals‘ upset loss to Cal.
He is averaging 6.9 catches per game.
Writes The Athletic: “Bell has been a legit star this season for Jeff Brohm and Louisville. An explosive and powerful 6-2, 220-pounder with a unique build and enough speed to be a problem inside or out, Bell now has 30 contested catches for his college career.”
Browns Reunite With 23-Year-Old WR Amid Offensive Struggles
The Cleveland Browns managed to claw out their first victory of the season against the visiting Green Bay Packers in Week 3, but it was impossible for anyone involved to walk away from that contest without acknowledging that the Browns’ offense continues to be a real problem.
Cleveland managed just 13 points on Sunday, none of which came in the first 56 minutes of the game. And the only touchdown the Browns offense mustered was a four-yard drive, courtesy of a late interception and return by safety Grant Delpit.
Across three weeks, Cleveland is averaging just over 14 points per game and has yet to score more than 17 points in any outing. One change the Browns could consider is a switch under center, though head coach Kevin Stefanski said over the weekend that Joe Flacco will remain the starting quarterback for the team’s Week 4 road contest against the Detroit Lions.
Another option includes adding players to the roster who might potentially contribute to the team being more dynamic, particularly in a passing game that has produced just three touchdowns in three weeks. The Browns took a step in that direction on Tuesday, September 23, by reuniting with 23-year-old rookie wide receiver Luke Floriea.
“The Cleveland Browns have signed WR Luke Floriea to the practice squad and released [defensive end] K.J. Henry from the practice squad,” per ClevelandBrowns.com. “Floriea (5-8, 180) is a rookie out of Kent State. He was originally signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent earlier this year. Floriea will wear No. 81.”
Luke Floriea Could Become Part of Browns’ Impressive Rookie Collection
GettyCleveland Browns wide receiver Luke Floriea.
By no means is Floriea an immediate or resounding answer to Cleveland’s offensive woes.
He played five years in college, all with Kent State, and produced 1,321 receiving yards and 12 TDs on 100 receptions over the course of his collegiate career. Floriea’s best season came in 2024, when he hauled in 44 passes for 699 yards and seven touchdowns.
So while he isn’t a win-now type of addition in Cleveland, Floriea could eventually become a part of what is clearly a youth movement taking over the Browns’ roster in 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins had a breakout performance against the Packers Sunday, rushing the football 18 times for 94 yards and a TD. He also caught a pass on the afternoon.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has caught 15 balls on 18 targets for 136 receiving yards through three games and is getting as many looks from Flacco as starter and veteran David Njoku (18 targets, 12 catches, 117 receiving yards).
Mason Graham has also played well as a starting defensive tackle, ranking 63rd out of 169 qualifying interior defensive linemen through three weeks, per Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, Carson Schwesinger has quality marks in run defense, pass rush and coverage and currently ranks 18th among 123 qualifying linebackers, per PFF.
And, of course, there are rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel is likely to get a shot to start at some point this season, while Sanders’ future remains less clear.
Browns Wide Receivers Have Been Mostly Non-Factors This Season, Including Jerry Jeudy
GettyCleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
Wide receiver is one area of the roster that the Browns did not address during the 2025 NFL draft, and also one of the weakest units across the team.
Fannin actually leads the offense with his 136 receiving yards, which is two yards more than No. 1 wideout Jerry Jeudy has mustered through three games. Cedric Tillman is the only other receiver in triple digits, with 100 yards to his credit this season.
And other than Fannin and Njoku, none of the Browns’ pass-catchers at any position are averaging four or more receptions per contest.
Cleveland is relatively young and exceedingly weak in the WRs room, which means Floriea could actually become part of the offense in the coming weeks if he impresses as a member of the practice squad and injury/poor play on the regular roster open up a chance for him to elevate.
