Cleveland Browns insider Tony Grossi is backing Dillon Gabriel to beat Shedeur Sanders for the team’s QB2 job entering the 2026 season. The veteran sportscaster believes that Gabriel is better suited than Shedeur Sanders to be the team’s backup quarterback if Sanders doesn’t win the starting job over Deshaun Watson.
Grossi’s words come days after Mary Kay Cabot reported that Watson is winning the QB1 battle in camp. NFL fans have since reacted on X.
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A fan said, “Something is wrong with the sports media in Cleveland and I see why LeBron left your dumb*** market.”
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Another added, “Wait, what?? While I think Watson will win the starting job, I have more faith in Sanders as QB2 than I do Gabriel.”
One chipped in, saying, “This is a crazy statement. By no means am I a Sanders fan, but Tony must be drinking from the same fountain as Mary Kay. Anyone with a set of eyes can see Dillion Gabriel is not even a NFL Backup QB.”
Some fans weren’t as critical.
One said, “I mean 10 INTs vs 2 INTs, what do you prefer?”
Another added, “No. Shedeur sells more jerseys, which is the only thing that matters when you’re winning 2 games this season.”
One wrote, “To clarify, Dillon Gabriel is the better backup QB if your QB is Josh Allen. If your QB2 is going to play at some point you probably prefer Shedeur.”
Grossi was born and raised in Cleveland. He has spent decades covering the franchise and is viewed as an important voice in Cleveland media.
The Browns are entering a transitional period ahead of the upcoming campaign. Watson is back from a long-term layoff, and the team has two second-year signal-callers on its roster. It might be time for Todd Monken to make a major decision.
Cleveland Browns have a stacked QB room entering the 2026 season
A reason for this is the crowded nature of the team’s quarterback room. Following the 2026 draft, the Browns have Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green.
Deshaun Watson is the most experienced of the quartet. The former Houston Texans superstar is a three-time Pro Bowler and was once one of the league’s most reliable players. However, off-field issues and injuries have truncated his stint in Cleveland.
Sanders is gearing up for his second year in the NFL. The Colorado Buffaloes product amassed a stat line of 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in eight games (seven starts) as a rookie. He earned a Pro Bowl nod for his efforts.
Gabriel, too, is entering Year 2. The former Oregon Ducks star started in six games as a rookie. However, a concussion cost him his starting job, and he never regained it from Sanders.
Last but not least is Taylen Green. Green showcased his “rare physical gifts” at the 2026 Combine. The Browns selected him on Day 3 of this year’s draft. Fans will be curious as to what the Arkansas and Boise State product can offer.
Edited by Nick Igbokwe
