The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets are expected to be among the handful of teams that are legitimate contenders to earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Seeing as they both are likely to be looking for their quarterback of the future, perhaps the Browns can help the Jets this season by giving them one of their QBs of the present.
Dillon Gabriel has been overlooked for the Browns for much of this offseason, barely on the fringes of the quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Now that Watson is the starter with Sanders as his backup, there might not be room for Gabriel on Cleveland’s final 53-man roster, which has led to trade rumors regarding the third-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft.
With the Jets potentially in need of a backup behind Geno Smith, insider Zack Rosenblatt said he believes they could pursue Gabriel in a trade with the NFL roster deadline approaching.
“Some potential QB options out there if Jets are looking to add via waivers/trade: Dillon Gabriel (CLE): Had a good preseason finale,” Rosenblatt posted.
Some potential QB options out there if Jets are looking to add via waivers/trade:
– Andy Dalton (PHI): Would be an ideal mentor for Klubnik
– Tanner McKee (PHI): Would appear price has gone down since he’s been not good in preseason
– Aidan O’Connell (LV): He’d be high on my…— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 29, 2026
Gabriel is far from the only potential target for the Jets, who now have rookie fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik as Smith’s backup. Rosenblatt also listed Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee of the Philadelphia Eagles, Aidan O’Connell of the Las Vegas Raiders, Sam Ehlinger of the Denver Broncos, Josh Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals, Kyle McCord of the Green Bay Packers, J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings, Joe Fagnano of the Baltimore Ravens, and Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans as possible options for New York.
Gabriel may have created a market for himself around the league with a strong performance against the New England Patriots on Thursday. Despite getting limited practice reps throughout training camp, the second-year pro looked to have very good command of the offense in leading Cleveland to 27 first-half points in the 37-13 win.
Yet, his roster spot with Cleveland could be in jeopardy if the Browns don’t make the unorthodox decision to keep four quarterbacks among the final 53. The Browns want to make sure they don’t lose rookie Taylen Green to the waiver process, or lose Gabriel for nothing.
The first stage will arrive Sunday evening, with many more roster manipulations likely to come before the regular season opener.
NEXT: Former NFL Executive Says Browns' QB Decision Was A 'No Brainer'
