As the 2025 NFL Draft approached, the buzz surrounding former Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel was palpable, with many expecting him to land with the Miami Dolphins. Instead, it was the Cleveland Browns who snagged him in the third round, and they followed that up by drafting another rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, in the fifth.
Gabriel has often drawn comparisons to the Dolphins’ starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with none other than legendary coach Nick Saban highlighting that connection on ESPN’s College Gameday. With his skill set aligning well with Miami’s offensive philosophy, many believed that Gabriel could step in as a reliable backup to Tagovailoa, who has carved out a career as a shorter, left-handed playmaker.
In a twist of fate that could shake things up, former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert suggested there’s still a thread connecting Gabriel to the Dolphins. He shared on his social media account that a trade to Miami could be in the cards, given the Dolphins’ strong interest in Gabriel during the draft. According to Benkert, the Dolphins saw him as a perfect fit for their scheme before the Browns scooped him up.
Benkert’s comments raise an intriguing scenario for the Browns, who won’t carry four quarterbacks into the regular season—five if you count the currently sidelined Deshaun Watson. As Gabriel competes for a spot against Sanders, seasoned veteran Joe Flacco, and former Philadelphia Eagle Kenny Pickett, the Browns will inevitably face tough decisions regarding their roster.
However, trading away a third-round pick for Gabriel won’t come easily unless the returns are compelling. The Browns signed Gabriel to a contract worth approximately $6.2 million, which included a $1.16 million signing bonus. This investment suggests they might prefer to keep him unless they are presented with a worthwhile offer.
With Pickett’s fifth-year option declined, he becomes a free agent in 2026, making him a potential candidate for release. Yet his experience could weigh against the decision, especially when pitted against the younger talent the Browns are eager to develop.
Complicating matters further is Watson’s injury status. Insider reports have indicated that the Browns haven’t ruled out a return for Watson in the 2025 season. If that possibility solidifies, the impending cuts may loom larger as the team prepares for the highs and lows of the upcoming campaign.
As for Gabriel, the Tagovailoa comparisons linger. Both quarterbacks hail from Hawaii, and while Tagovailoa has exhibited Pro Bowl-caliber talent, he’s also faced significant health challenges. Since entering the league in 2020, he’s dealt with multiple concussions, raising questions about his durability moving forward. Meanwhile, Gabriel, though slightly shorter, possesses many of the attributes that would allow him to transition smoothly into Miami’s offense without major adjustments.
Time will unveil the accuracy of Benkert’s predictions, but a potential trade for Gabriel to Miami would certainly carry an ironic twist for a player initially projected to land there. In the ever-shifting landscape of the NFL, this storyline has plenty of intrigue as we inch closer to the regular season.