Forward of the 2025 NFL draft, the Browns signed veteran QB Joe Flacco to a one-year deal. The 40-year-old was beforehand with Cleveland within the 2023 season.
He went 4-1 in 5 begins with the Browns and helped lead the crew to the playoffs. Joe Flacco was a veteran QB that Cleveland might depend on. Throughout the 2025 draft, the Browns chosen two QBs. Dillon Gabriel within the third spherical and Sheduer Sanders within the fifth. On Wednesday, October 1, NFL insiders introduced that Cleveland is benching Joe Flacco for rookie Dillon Gabriel in Week 5.
After 4 video games, the Cleveland Browns have benched QB Joe Flacco for Dillon Gabriel
Change in Cleveland: Browns are benching veteran QB Joe Flacco in favor of rookie QB Dillon Gabriel, per sources. The Browns have been knowledgeable of the change this morning.
Gabriel’s first NFL begin comes Sunday in London vs. the Vikings. pic.twitter.com/lUV1W5RQob
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2025
With a third-round decide within the 2025 NFL draft, the Browns chosen QB Dillon Gabriel out of Oregon. The 24-year-old is an skilled participant, having performed six seasons on the collegiate stage. Dillon Gabriel began his profession at UCF and was with the Knights for 3 seasons. Forward of the 2022 season, he transferred to play for Oklahoma. He was with the Sooners for 2 years. Gabriel used his last season of eligibility to play for the Oregon Geese in 2024.
Oregon went an ideal 12-0 through the common season and gained the Convention Championship vs. Penn State. Nevertheless, the Geese have been upset by Ohio State within the playoffs. Dillon Gabriel ended his last collegiate season 13-1. In April, he was drafted by the Browns and has been ready for his alternative to begin. After 4 video games, Cleveland is ready to make a swap at QB.
We’ve named Dillon Gabriel the beginning quarterback
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 1, 2025
Veteran QB Joe Flacco is being benched in Week 5 for Dillon Gabriel. The Browns are on the street for a neutral-site recreation in opposition to the Vikings. That’s an especially powerful first matchup for Gabriel. He’ll be going in opposition to one of many high defensive coordinators within the NFL, Brian Flores. Dillin Gabriel has been getting ready for this second since coaching camp.
Towards the Vikings in Week 5, Joe Flacco will function the backup to Dillon Gabriel. Cleveland’s different rookie QB, Shedeur Sanders, will proceed to function the emergency third-string QB. Via 4 video games, Joe Flacco had an NFL-high eight turnovers. That included six interceptions. It was time for Cleveland to make a change, and Dillon Gabriel hopes to begin a brand new period for the Browns in Week 5.
