The OTAs are officially underway, and one thing’s been clear: Shedeur Sanders is shining bright. The rookie QB has been turning heads with his poise, accuracy, and undeniable playmaking skills, making a strong early case for himself in the Browns’ quarterback room. Just as fans were soaking in Shedeur’s standout performances, Cleveland made a surprise move, signing Dillon Gabriel just days after signing Shedeur.
The unexpected timing has sparked a wave of reactions from fans across the board. Some are scratching their heads, asking, “Why did they sign him so late?” Others are curious about what this means for the depth chart.
But one thing’s for sure. Things just got even more interesting in Cleveland’s QB competition.
Dillon Hasn’t Been in the Spotlight as Much
While Shedeur Sanders has been grabbing headlines at the Browns’ OTAs, Dillon Gabriel hasn’t been in the spotlight nearly as much. Signed just days after Shedeur, Gabriel arrived with far less fanfare.
Though he put up solid numbers in college, throwing for over 14,800 yards and 125 touchdowns across stints at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, his transition into Cleveland’s quarterback room has been quieter.
In practice, he’s had fewer reps and hasn’t matched Shedeur’s efficiency. As competition stiffens, Gabriel is still looking for his breakout moment to show he belongs in the Browns’ long-term plans.
Dillon Signs His Rookie Deal with the Browns
On June 4, 2025, the Browns officially signed Dillon Gabriel to a four-year rookie contract, just days after Shedeur Sanders inked his own deal.
The team announced the news on X with a post that read, “Dillon Gabriel is officially a dawg!”
Gabriel became the sixth of Cleveland’s seven drafted rookies to sign, a timely move as he navigates a highly competitive quarterback room.
He’s battling veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with Sanders, not just for a spot on the 53-man roster but also for the starting job. Still, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said both rookies are “doing great.”
Fans Go Gaga on Dillon’s Contract
Fans quickly took to X to react to Dillon Gabriel’s signing, and the comments ranged from confused to bold predictions.
Some pointed out the strange timing, noting, “So he was pick before 12 but he got signed after 12?” and “Almost a month after 12…”
Others speculated that the Browns are grooming Gabriel to be the franchise’s future QB. Others dubbed him a solid backup option.
One fan even threw shade at Shedeur Sanders, claiming, “Sanders is not that guy,” and predicting that Gabriel could become QB2 behind Flacco, especially if Pickett is traded. The debate is officially on.
Dillon’s Contract Details
According to Over the Cap, Dillon Gabriel’s rookie contract with the Browns is valued at approximately $6.2 million over four years, with an average per-year salary of about $1.56 million.
He received a $1.16 million signing bonus, and his base salary for the 2025 season is set at $840,000, matching his cap number. Notably, the deal includes no fully guaranteed money, which is standard for many mid-to-late-round rookie contracts.
Despite being signed later than Shedeur Sanders, Gabriel will be earning significantly more (approximately $1.6 million more), thanks to being selected earlier in the draft.
While the numbers favor Gabriel for now, the true test lies in performance on the field. With the QB battle heating up, only time will tell who wins the Browns’ trust.