Dillon Gabriel starts Browns preseason finale
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel made headlines in the team’s 2026 preseason finale against the New England Patriots, earning the start and delivering one of his strongest performances since entering the NFL.
Gabriel started at quarterback on Thursday, August 27, as Cleveland hosted New England at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns ultimately won 37-13, with Gabriel playing the first half before rookie quarterback Taylen Green took over.
The start was particularly important because Gabriel was competing for a place in Cleveland’s quarterback picture ahead of the 53-man roster deadline.
Gabriel responded with an impressive showing. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns, according to the Browns’ official game recap.
Dillon Gabriel preseason stats
Gabriel’s final preseason performance significantly improved his overall numbers.
His first preseason appearance came against the Chicago Bears on August 15. He completed 5 of 8 passes for 23 yards, threw one interception and was sacked twice. He also rushed once for six yards.
Gabriel then appeared briefly against the Buffalo Bills on August 22. He attempted one pass but did not complete it.
Against the Patriots, however, Gabriel produced a much more efficient performance, going 12-for-15 for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
Dillon Gabriel 2026 preseason numbers
Based on his three preseason appearances, Gabriel finished with:
- 24 passing attempts
- 17 completions
- 209 passing yards
- 3 passing touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 70.8% completion rate
- 8.7 yards per attempt
The Patriots game accounted for the overwhelming majority of his preseason production.
Gabriel’s three-touchdown performance
The Patriots game was a major opportunity for Gabriel because Cleveland had already announced Deshaun Watson as its starting quarterback for the 2026 regular season.
Rather than having a large role in the first-team offense, Gabriel was fighting for his place on the roster and trying to make the most of his available snaps.
He did exactly that against New England.
Gabriel completed 12 of his 15 attempts and threw three touchdown passes during his first-half appearance. The Browns scored 37 points overall, while Gabriel’s efficient passing helped Cleveland establish control before Green entered the game.
His performance also generated attention because his future with the Browns had been uncertain heading into the preseason finale.
Is Dillon Gabriel the Browns’ starting quarterback?
No. Gabriel is not the Browns’ starting quarterback for the 2026 regular season.
Cleveland head coach Todd Monken announced on August 24 that Deshaun Watson would open the season as QB1.
Shedeur Sanders is also part of the Browns’ quarterback plans, leaving Gabriel competing for a roster spot and potentially a backup role.
That makes Gabriel’s preseason finale especially significant. His three-touchdown performance gave the Browns’ coaching staff additional evidence of what he can provide if retained.
What happened to Dillon Gabriel in 2025?
Gabriel was selected by the Browns in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 94th overall pick after starring at Oregon.
As a rookie, he appeared in 10 games and started six. He finished the 2025 season with 937 passing yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
He also demonstrated some mobility, rushing for 86 yards on 14 attempts in the Browns’ recorded statistics.
Those numbers provided the foundation for his second NFL season, although the Browns’ crowded quarterback room made his 2026 role less certain.
Who is Dillon Gabriel’s wife?
Dillon Gabriel is married to Zo Gabriel, formerly Zoe Caswell.
The couple married in Hawaii in June 2026 after being together for several years. Reports say they had known each other since their school days in Hawaii and remained connected throughout Gabriel’s college football career.
Their wedding took place in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. Zo later shared memories from the couple’s wedding celebrations on social media.
Zo has also supported Gabriel during his Browns career. During Cleveland’s preseason schedule, she attended games and shared photos from the team’s matchup with Buffalo.
Dillon Gabriel and Zo Gabriel’s relationship
Gabriel and Zo’s relationship stretches back to their time in Hawaii.
The couple remained together through Gabriel’s college journey, which included stops at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon. Their relationship continued as Gabriel developed into an NFL prospect and eventually joined Cleveland.
Their 2026 wedding marked another milestone for the quarterback before his second NFL season.
What does the preseason mean for Gabriel’s Browns future?
Gabriel’s future remains one of the more interesting questions surrounding Cleveland’s quarterback room.
Watson has been named the starter, while Sanders has been positioned prominently behind him. Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green therefore have additional competition for roster spots.
Gabriel’s three-touchdown performance against New England certainly strengthened his case. However, preseason production alone does not guarantee a roster spot, particularly when a team is balancing quarterback depth against needs at other positions.
The Browns must make their final roster decisions before the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline.
Dillon Gabriel’s college football background
Before reaching the NFL, Gabriel built an impressive college résumé.
He played at UCF before transferring to Oklahoma and eventually Oregon. At Oregon, he established himself as one of the nation’s most productive quarterbacks.
The Browns’ official profile notes that Gabriel finished his college career as the FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns with 189, while matching Case Keenum’s record of 155 passing touchdowns.
That production helped make him an attractive Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Final thoughts
Dillon Gabriel’s Browns preseason story took a dramatic turn in the finale.
After limited production in his first two preseason appearances, Gabriel started against the Patriots and delivered 12 completions on 15 attempts for 186 yards and three touchdowns in Cleveland’s 37-13 victory.
Although he is not the Browns’ 2026 Week 1 starter, the performance gives Gabriel an important argument as Cleveland makes its final quarterback decisions.
Off the field, Gabriel is also entering the season as a newly married man. He married longtime partner Zo Gabriel in Hawaii in June 2026.
FAQs
Did Dillon Gabriel start the Browns preseason finale?
Yes. Gabriel started Cleveland’s preseason finale against the New England Patriots on August 27, 2026. He played the first half before Taylen Green took over.
How many yards did Dillon Gabriel throw for against the Patriots?
Gabriel threw for 186 yards against New England and added three touchdown passes.
What are Dillon Gabriel’s 2026 preseason stats?
Gabriel finished the preseason with 17 completions on 24 attempts for 209 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Who is Dillon Gabriel’s wife?
Dillon Gabriel’s wife is Zo Gabriel, formerly Zoe Caswell. The couple married in Hawaii in June 2026.
Is Dillon Gabriel the Browns’ starting quarterback?
No. Browns head coach Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson the team’s starting quarterback for the 2026 regular season.
When did the Browns draft Dillon Gabriel?
Cleveland selected Gabriel in the third round, 94th overall, of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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