BroBible
Dillon Gabriel is a currently listed as a quarterback on the Cleveland Browns football roster. His latest actions suggest he plans on keeping it that way.
He donned a fresh look on the field this week at practice. In doing so, he rejected trade rumors circulating this offseason.
Gabriel has a new jersey number. It represents an announcement of his intentions to remain with the team.
DG rocking a new look pic.twitter.com/gXa8IBNeSk
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 9, 2026
The passer wore No. 8 during his rookie season after being drafted out of Oregon. It’s a number he repped with both the Ducks and Oklahoma Sooners during his college career.
Gabriel kept that No. 8 moving into the offseason. It created a bit of a conundrum when the Browns acquired pass rusher Jared Verse from the Rams.
Verse, too, has worn the jersey number in each of NFL seasons. It helped him land the nickname “V8” while in Los Angeles.
Verse showed up to Cleveland camp without making a change. The Browns had two No. 8s on the field during his debut practice session. The linebacker will hold onto that number moving forward.
V8 revving up @JaredVerse1 pic.twitter.com/hBIH3M99I8
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 8, 2026
The jersey dilemma created a large reaction on social media. Many viewed it as confirmation that Gabriel would be traded. The Browns allowed Verse to snatch his number upon stepping foot in the building. A narrative followed suggesting Gabriel was not valued by the organization.
The jersey swap insists he plans to stay put. He did not need to make the switch this early.
While the NFL bars players from wearing the same numbers during the regular season, that’s not the case in the offseason. Rosters are much larger. It’s impossible to avoid the scenario.
Lineups aren’t cut to 53 men until August. The quarterback likely could’ve waited through the preseason. Instead, he chose to appease a teammate while sending a message to his fanbase.
There is a chance that Verse paid Gabriel for the jersey number. We’ve seen it done in the past. That, however, would seemingly provide further confirmation that Gabriel will be a member of this year’s roster. Why pay now if you can get it for free in a few weeks?
Cleveland’s promotion of the number change on social media could also be viewed as a positive.
With that being said, it does not completely ensure that he will be a Brown in 2026. Things change quickly in professional sports. A suitor could come calling.
A number of NFL outlets have speculated on a potential trade this offseason. They’ve provided their reasons as to why.
Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are battling for the starting role under new coach Todd Monken. The Browns selected Taylen Green in the ’26 NFL Draft. Gabriel might be the third, or even fourth option. It could...
