Shocking Move in Cleveland: Joe Flacco Demoted to Dillon Gabriel’s Backup, Shedeur Sanders Stuck as QB3!
The Cleveland Browns have made a stunning decision regarding their quarterback depth chart that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community. According to the team’s latest announcement, veteran Joe Flacco – a former Super Bowl MVP – will serve as the backup to rookie Dillon Gabriel
This move comes as a surprise to many fans, especially given Flacco’s crucial role for the Browns last season. When the team was riddled with injuries, the veteran stepped up and proved he could still perform at a high level in clutch moments. With his playoff pedigree and leadership, many assumed Flacco would be the clear choice as the top backup or even challenge for the starting job. Instead, Cleveland has chosen to prioritize its future by elevating Gabriel above the seasoned veteran.
Dillon Gabriel, though relatively unknown to casual fans, has quickly gained attention inside the Browns organization. Known for his mobility, quick release, and fearless playing style, Gabriel represents the new wave of quarterbacks who can extend plays and energize an offense. By making him QB2 over Flacco, the Browns are signaling their belief in Gabriel’s potential to eventually become the face of their offense. However, this gamble also comes with significant risk. Gabriel has yet to be tested at the professional level, and trusting a rookie over an established Super Bowl winner could easily backfire.
Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders continues to sit in the shadow of both Gabriel and Flacco. Despite entering the league with massive hype thanks to his college performances and the legacy of his father, Shedeur has not yet made a significant impact in the NFL. His adjustment to the speed, complexity, and pressure of the professional game is still a work in progress. For now, being listed as the third-string quarterback means his opportunities to prove himself on the field will be extremely limited.
The reaction from the fanbase has been divided. Some see this as a bold but necessary decision, believing the Browns must invest in their future rather than relying on Flacco’s experience. Others argue that pushing aside a battle-tested veteran in favor of a rookie could prove to be a dangerous gamble, especially in a league where stability at quarterback often determines playoff success.
Still, the Browns appear to have a clear strategy: build around Gabriel, use Flacco as a mentor and insurance policy, and give Shedeur Sanders more time to develop quietly behind the scenes
Now, the big question looms: Will this quarterback arrangement propel the Browns toward long-term success, or will it expose them to costly mistakes in the heat of battle? The NFL is unforgiving, and Cleveland’s daring decision could either be remembered as visionary—or as a gamble that went terribly wrong.
Commanders receiver stepping up with Terry McLaurin injury
Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey is stepping up in the offense.
The second-year wide receiver out of Rice has two touchdowns this season, scoring in back-to-back weeks after the injuries to Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is praising McCaffrey after scoring and involving himself in special teams as well.
“I recognized him today in the special teams meeting. I thought, what a cool play. You catch the touchdown and then make a tackle on the next play on a kickoff and involved in a tackle. I think that speaks to him as the competitor," Quinn said of McCaffrey.
"I love the fact that the opportunity's there for him to dig in some more and like he's taken advantage of it, whether that's on offense or on the return game. He's got a fearless side to him as a returner, which in this day and age, in terms of the kickoff return, you have to do that. It's what makes [WR] Deebo [Samuel Sr.] excellent at it, what makes him excellent at it. Yeah, so over the last two weeks, I've certainly been pleased to see the growth in Luke.”
McCaffrey shining for Commanders
McCaffrey is beginning to show why the Commanders used a Day 2 pick on him last year. While he only had 18 catches for 168 yards last season, he's already at six catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns through four games this year.
McLaurin and Brown should have uncertain futures with their injuries, so McCaffrey may have to be involved more in the offense in the long run.
McCaffrey and the Commanders are returning to the field in Week 5 as they take on the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on CBS or stream it on Paramount Plus.
