Kevin Stefanski Has Preferred QB Beyond Sanders & Gabriel | NFL Wires

Kevin Stefanski Has Preferred QB Beyond Sanders & Gabriel | NFL Wires

Head coach Kevin Stefanski appears to have a preferred quarterback in mind—someone not currently on the Browns roster. Learn why the Browns coach may be favoring another QB and what this means for Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.

Introduction: A QB Showdown with an Under-the-Radar Twist

The Cleveland Browns are bracing for an intriguing quarterback competition, and while Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel have impressed early, head coach Kevin Stefanski seems to be keeping his cards close. Recent indications suggest his top choice might actually be Kenny Pickett, whom he reportedly views as a better fit—despite neither Sanders nor Gabriel being ruled out yet.

Stefanski’s Apparent QB Bias

• On the Barbershop podcast, Browns analyst Garrett Bush said it’s “pretty clear” Stefanski personally favored Dillon Gabriel, while General Manager Andrew Berry eyed longer-term bets like Arch Manning or other future options.

• Bush stated:

  “I think Kevin Stefanski picked Dillon Gabriel. There you go.” 

   

This suggests the coach has been subtly steering the competition toward Gabriel during preseason drills.

Why Gabriel Fits Stefanski’s Scheme

• Pocket discipline and quick reads make Gabriel a sound fit for Stefanski’s West Coast offense, which values accuracy and timing.

• Between the two rookies, Gabriel was a mid-round pick (3rd round), while Sanders was taken later and his ceiling is still speculative—making Gabriel a more “controlled risk” for the coach.

Where That Leaves Sanders & Gabriel

• Shedeur Sanders, taken in the 5th round, has flashed in OTAs, but is reportedly trailing Pickett and Gabriel on the depth chart .

• A former NFL receiver even suggested Sanders is currently low in the QB pecking order, with Pickett or Gabriel ahead.

NFL Wires’ Take

Stefanski’s lean toward Gabriel (and possibly Pickett) shows he's prioritizing system fit, consistency, and readiness over headline-grabbing rookie appeal. While both Sanders and Gabriel “are doing great,” Stefanski’s nuanced preference favors a polished passer who can execute immediately.

That subtle favor doesn't shut the door—it just highlights who Stefano is comfortable entrusting with his offense early on.

Conclusion: Competition Heating Up Behind the Scenes

Cleveland’s QB race is far from settled. But if Stefanski truly has confidence in Gabriel (and quietly Pickett), it changes the narrative: the coach isn't just judging upside—he's planning strategically. For Sanders and Gabriel, this is a chance to prove they can outperform expectations. For fans, this signals that Steff isn’t playing games—he wants the QB who can win now.

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