Against all odds, the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback controversy might be over. Deshaun Watson followed a horrific season debut with three strong performances, and he keeps getting better by the week.
With Todd Monken's support — and an organization desperate to get as much return on investment as possible — it might take a catastrophe for Watson to lose his job, much to some fans' despair.
Watson could potentially play his way into a new deal, but we're a long way from that even being a serious conversation. In the meantime, there's a more pressing storyline in Cleveland's quarterback room that could soon come to a head.
Dillon Gabriel is eligible to return from injured reserve as soon as this week, and unless the Browns plan to carry four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, they will have to make some moves in the coming weeks.
The Browns have run out of reasons to keep Dillon Gabriel around
With Watson playing so well, the question now is who should be his top backup?
Shedeur Sanders clearly has a firm grasp on that position, and has since the start of the offseason. That puts Gabriel in an awkward gray area with rookie Taylen Green. Gabriel is also a left-handed quarterback, so playing him would require adjustments for an offensive line that's rapidly improving.
As for Green, he was always going to be a developmental prospect. He hasn't been active for a game yet, but it's possible the coaching staff finds creative ways to get him on the field at some point this season. The Browns are high on their sixth-round draft pick.
This isn't anything against Gabriel, but he's always felt like an afterthought in Cleveland. Monken made it clear that he felt the team had two starting quarterbacks on the roster — Watson and Sanders. Gabriel gave up his jersey number after the team's trade for Jared Verse. His convenient back injury on roster cutdown day that landed him on short-term injured reserve only looks more curious with him practicing without restrictions this week.
Gabriel played well in the preseason. His physical limitations will always cap his upside, but there's always a market for quarterbacks. With Watson, Sanders, and Green all healthy and settled into roles, the Browns would likely take a Day 3 draft pick in exchange for Gabriel.
Gabriel himself should be pushing for his exit. He doesn't have a path to playing time in Cleveland anytime soon. Green is the scrambler. Sanders is bigger and has a stronger arm. Watson is Monken's guy. Gabriel is the odd man out.
His roster spot should be used to address a position of need. It's time for the Browns to move on.
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