About a month ago, when senior NFL analyst Greg Cosell was asked about the Cleveland Browns’ QB room, he basically revealed what head coach Kevin Stefanski thinks about Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Cosell had firmly unpacked insider information: “Kevin Stefanski really liked him coming out because of the way in which he plays.”
And cut to Oct. 2025, here we are- Gabriel, who was a backup to Joe Flacco, got an opportunity to start the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
But while Gabriel is taking the centre stage and preparing for his first NFL regular-season game, a lot of things might be going on in the back of his mind. The reason for that pressure is simple: Every single regular-season matchup counts to clinch a playoff spot in January 2026, right?
And to help him out in this pressurised situation of showing the NFL world his worth, the Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end Myles Garrett gave Gabriel a strong piece of advice, which might help the former Oregon Ducks QB. In the latest media availability of the Browns, Garrett also appeared and answered important questions on his availability and QB shift.
Myles Garrett Shares Advice to Dillon Gabriel
When asked about the franchise’s decision to start the third-round pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, he firstly, kind of, endorsed the opportunity Gabriel has got and then shared a piece of advice.
“As a youthful exuberance, he brings up just a different vibe, different attitude,” Garrett said. “And he just always has a smile on his face. He’s got a lot of energy, and [I’m] looking forward to seeing how he moves around the pocket and how he plays the game.” But his praise did not stop here. Garrett also added, “This will be a different pace than what he’s been used to. And he’s against the ones, and it’s early on. We’ll be counting on him, but he can also count on us to be there to support him.”
While talking nice things about the new starting QB, he also shared his advice: “Each phase of the game, he doesn’t have to look forward to trying to take over or do too much, he just has to play within himself, execute the scheme, and allow the game to come down.” For a rookie like Gabriel, focusing on one game at a time is more important than thinking about anything else at this moment.
The Cleveland Browns’ Gabriel Era Begins
The Browns’ decision to hand Dillon Gabriel the starting job is not just another quarterback shuffle. It feels like a defining moment for the franchise. Head coach Kevin Stefanski explained it in simple terms: “Just my decision where I felt this decision was best for the football team.” That kind of clarity matters in Cleveland, a city that has endured more quarterback changes than any fan base should.
Unlike past transitions, Gabriel steps into a team that already has a championship-calibre defence and one of the league’s most reliable offensive lines. For once, the Browns have created the type of foundation that can actually help a young quarterback succeed.
What makes this opportunity different is the deliberate vision behind it. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently observed, “Cleveland doesn’t just need a spark. They need stability, and Gabriel brings that with his decision-making and accuracy.” Actually, Kiper also requested five things from Gabriel.
That perspective highlights why this move is more than a short-term gamble. Gabriel’s college film showed poise, rhythm, and strong leadership, qualities the Browns believe will carry over at the professional level. It is not about filling a temporary gap but about setting the direction for the next chapter in Cleveland football.