Is there a more fascinating quarterback battle in the NFL than the one going on right now for a backup spot in Cleveland?
More eyes are on the Cleveland Browns’ quarterbacks room than on any other team’s situation under center across the NFL this year. With four quarterbacks on the active roster, the Browns have some big decisions still ahead, despite already naming veteran Joe Flacco the Week 1 starter.
To that end, the all-rookie battle between third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders for a spot as the No. 3 quarterback – veteran Kenny Pickett is listed as the No. 2 on the team’s depth chart – has been one full of intrigue.
Sanders and Gabriel both had one outing each in the team’s first two preseason games – due to injuries, not design – before once last chance to show out in the Browns’ final exhibition clash ahead of the 2025 regular season.
Here’s how the two Browns rookie quarterbacks’ stats looked at the end of the preseason:
Shedeur Sanders vs Dillon Gabriel preseason stats
Sanders and Gabriel have been competing for the higher spot on the Browns’ QB depth chart throughout the preseason. Here’s how their stats ended up after three weeks of action in exhibition games:
Shedeur Sanders preseason stats
Total preseason stats:
Completion rate: 17 of 29 (58.6%)
Passing yards: 152
Passing touchdowns: 2
Interceptions: 0
Fumbles (Lost): 0
Rushing: 19 yards on four carries (4.75 yards per attempt)
Sacks: 7
Preseason Week 3 stats (vs. Rams):
Completion rate: 3 of 6 (50%)
Passing yards: 14
Passing touchdowns: 0
Passer rating: 56.2
Interceptions: 0
Fumbles (Lost): 0
Rushing: 0
Sacks: 5
Dillon Gabriel preseason stats
Total preseason stats:
Completion rate: 25-of-37 (67.6%)
Passing yards: 272
Passing touchdowns: 1
Interceptions: 1
Fumbles (Lost): 1
Rushing: 1 yard on two carries (0.5 yards per attempt)
Sacks: 2
Preseason Week 3 stats (vs. Rams):
Completion rate: 12-of-19 (63.2%)
Passing yards: 129
Passing touchdowns: 1
Passer rating: 100.5
Interceptions: 0
Fumbles (Lost): 0
Rushing: 0
Sacks: 0
