Dillon Gabriel to Eagles? Exploring the Post-Hurts QB Landscape & Stefanski Link

Aug 17, 2025

Dillon Gabriel: An Eagle in the Making? Exploring Philadelphia's Future QB Options

The Philadelphia Eagles are firmly entrenched in the Jalen Hurts era, but NFL teams are perpetually planning for the future. While Hurts has proven to be a dynamic and capable quarterback, the ever-shifting landscape of the NFL demands that teams always evaluate potential successors. One name that has recently surfaced in discussions surrounding potential future Eagles quarterbacks is Dillon Gabriel, the dynamic quarterback who most recently led the Oklahoma Sooners. This article dives deep into whether Gabriel could be a viable post-Hurts option for the Eagles, exploring his skill set, potential fit within the Eagles' offensive scheme, and the intriguing connection to Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.

The Jalen Hurts Factor: Why Discussing a Successor Matters

Before delving into Gabriel's potential, it's crucial to address the elephant in the room: Jalen Hurts. Hurts signed a lucrative contract extension, solidifying his position as the Eagles' franchise quarterback. However, the NFL is a business, and several factors necessitate contingency planning:

Injury Risk: Quarterbacks are vulnerable to injuries, and having a capable backup or successor is paramount.
Performance Fluctuations: Even elite quarterbacks experience periods of inconsistent performance. The Eagles need to be prepared for any potential dip in Hurts' play.
Contract Realities: Hurts' contract is substantial, and the team must consider the long-term financial implications and potential future cap situations.
Strategic Advantage: Exploring potential future options allows the Eagles to maintain a competitive advantage by proactively identifying and developing talent.

Therefore, while Hurts is the present and foreseeable future, prudent team management dictates that the Eagles must continually assess the quarterback market and identify potential successors, regardless of Hurts' current status.

Dillon Gabriel: A Deep Dive into His Skill Set and Potential

Dillon Gabriel brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic skill set to the table. Let's break down his key attributes:

Arm Talent: Gabriel possesses a strong and accurate arm. He can make all the throws required in an NFL offense, from short, quick passes to deep bombs downfield. His arm strength allows him to fit the ball into tight windows and make throws under pressure.
Mobility: While not a pure running quarterback, Gabriel is mobile and can extend plays with his legs. He's adept at escaping pressure and making throws on the move, adding another dimension to the offense. He shows elusiveness in the pocket, demonstrating an awareness of pressure and the ability to avoid sacks.
Decision-Making: Gabriel demonstrates good decision-making skills, particularly in terms of reading defenses and making pre-snap adjustments. He generally avoids high-risk throws and is willing to take what the defense gives him. However, like all quarterbacks, he is not immune to mistakes and occasional turnovers.
Leadership: Gabriel has consistently been praised for his leadership qualities. He is a vocal leader in the huddle and on the sideline, and he has a proven ability to rally his teammates. His leadership extends beyond the field, as he is known for his work ethic and dedication to the game.
Experience: Gabriel has extensive starting experience at the collegiate level, playing for multiple seasons at both UCF and Oklahoma. This experience has allowed him to develop a high level of comfort and poise in high-pressure situations. He has faced a wide variety of defenses and has learned how to adapt and adjust his game accordingly.

Areas for Improvement

No quarterback is perfect, and Gabriel has areas where he can improve:

Consistency: While generally accurate, Gabriel can experience occasional lapses in consistency, particularly on deep throws. Improving his consistency will be crucial for success at the NFL level.
Pocket Presence: While mobile, Gabriel sometimes needs to improve his pocket presence and ability to navigate pressure effectively. Developing a better feel for the pass rush will help him avoid sacks and make more accurate throws.
Size: At around 6'0" and 200 pounds, Gabriel is considered slightly undersized for an NFL quarterback. While not a major liability, his size could be a factor in certain situations.

The Eagles' Offensive Scheme: A Potential Fit for Gabriel?

The Eagles' offensive scheme, currently coordinated by Kellen Moore, is crucial in evaluating Gabriel's potential fit. Moore's system is known for its emphasis on RPOs (run-pass options), play-action passes, and a strong running game. Let's analyze how Gabriel's skills align with these elements:

RPO Proficiency: Gabriel's experience with RPOs makes him a potentially good fit for the Eagles' offense. He is comfortable reading defenders and making quick decisions based on their movements. His ability to make accurate throws on the move is also a valuable asset in RPO situations.
Play-Action Prowess: Gabriel excels at play-action passes. He is adept at selling the run and then delivering accurate throws downfield. The Eagles' strong running game would create ample opportunities for play-action, allowing Gabriel to exploit defenses and generate big plays.
Mobility in the Pocket: As mentioned, Gabriel's mobility allows him to extend plays and make throws on the move. This is a valuable asset in any offensive system, particularly one that emphasizes quick reads and improvisational playmaking.
Deep Ball Accuracy: While consistency is an area for improvement, Gabriel has shown the ability to throw accurate deep balls. The Eagles' receiving corps, led by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, would provide Gabriel with plenty of opportunities to showcase his arm strength and accuracy on deep throws.

Overall, Gabriel's skill set appears to be a solid fit for the Eagles' offensive scheme. His experience with RPOs, play-action, and mobility would allow him to thrive in Moore's system and potentially contribute to a dynamic and explosive offense. The Eagles historically have valued quarterbacks with a dual-threat ability, and Gabriel certainly brings that element to the table.

Analyzing Gabriel's Performance Under Pressure: A Key Indicator

Beyond the general fit with the offensive scheme, it’s crucial to analyze how Gabriel performs under pressure. NFL quarterbacks face immense pressure, both literally from opposing defenses and figuratively from the demands of the position. Gabriel’s ability to remain composed, make sound decisions, and deliver accurate throws when under duress is a key indicator of his potential for success in the NFL. Film study reveals he is typically calm and collected in the pocket, demonstrating good awareness of the pass rush and the ability to maneuver to create throwing lanes. While he sometimes resorts to scrambling prematurely, he generally maintains his poise and looks to make a play rather than simply taking a sack. This composure under pressure is a valuable asset that would serve him well in the Eagles' high-stakes environment.

The Stefanski Connection: A Potential Advantage?

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Dillon Gabriel-to-Eagles speculation is the potential connection to Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. While Stefanski is not directly involved with the Eagles, his offensive philosophies and coaching style could influence the team's evaluation of Gabriel. Here's why:

Similar Offensive Philosophies: Stefanski's offensive scheme, which emphasizes a strong running game, play-action passes, and tight end utilization, shares similarities with Moore's system. The Eagles may value Gabriel's familiarity with these concepts.
Stefanski's Track Record with Quarterbacks: Stefanski has a proven track record of developing and maximizing the potential of quarterbacks, including Kirk Cousins and Deshaun Watson (albeit with varying degrees of success and significant controversy surrounding Watson). The Eagles may believe that Stefanski's influence could help unlock Gabriel's full potential.
Shared Network of Coaches and Scouts: The NFL is a tight-knit community, and coaches and scouts often share information and insights about players. It's possible that Stefanski has provided valuable feedback on Gabriel to the Eagles' coaching staff or scouting department.

It's important to note that the Stefanski connection is speculative at this point. However, his offensive acumen and track record with quarterbacks could certainly influence the Eagles' perception of Gabriel and his potential fit within their organization. The Eagles' front office is known for its thoroughness and its willingness to explore all potential avenues for improvement, and the Stefanski connection could be a factor in their evaluation of Gabriel.

The Ripple Effect: How a Potential Gabriel Addition Impacts the Eagles' QB Room

The addition of Dillon Gabriel, whether through the draft or free agency (unlikely given his potential draft status), would inevitably impact the Eagles' quarterback room. It's essential to consider the potential consequences of such a move:

Backup Quarterback Competition: Gabriel would likely compete for the backup quarterback position, potentially challenging existing players like Tanner McKee. This competition could elevate the overall level of play in the quarterback room.
Developmental Project: The Eagles could view Gabriel as a developmental project, providing him with the opportunity to learn and grow behind Jalen Hurts. This approach would allow Gabriel to develop his skills without the pressure of immediately contributing on the field.
Trade Bait: If Gabriel develops into a promising quarterback, the Eagles could potentially use him as trade bait to acquire valuable assets in the future. This strategy would allow the Eagles to capitalize on Gabriel's potential value while simultaneously addressing other needs on the team.

Ultimately, the impact of a Gabriel addition would depend on the Eagles' specific plans for him and his performance during training camp and preseason. However, it's clear that his arrival would create a dynamic and competitive environment in the quarterback room, potentially benefiting the team in the long run.

Evaluating Other Potential Post-Hurts Options: A Look at the Quarterback Landscape

While Dillon Gabriel is an intriguing prospect, it's crucial for the Eagles to evaluate other potential post-Hurts options as well. The quarterback landscape is constantly evolving, and the Eagles must remain vigilant in identifying and assessing potential talent. Here are some other avenues the Eagles might explore:

Drafting a Quarterback: The Eagles could choose to draft a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. This approach would allow them to acquire a young, talented quarterback with significant upside. However, it also carries the risk of selecting a player who doesn't pan out at the NFL level.
Free Agency: The Eagles could explore the free agent market for a veteran quarterback. This approach would provide them with a proven commodity who could serve as a reliable backup and mentor to Hurts. However, free agent quarterbacks often come with a high price tag and may not be a long-term solution.
Trade Market: The Eagles could explore the trade market for a quarterback who is seeking a new opportunity. This approach could allow them to acquire a talented quarterback without having to spend a high draft pick. However, it also requires finding a team willing to part with a valuable asset.

Some potential quarterback prospects the Eagles might consider include:

College Draft Prospects: Analyzing upcoming draft classes is essential. Keep an eye on rising stars from top college programs.
Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs): UDFAs can sometimes develop into valuable players.
Players on Other Teams' Practice Squads: Scouring other teams' practice squads for overlooked talent.

The Eagles' scouting department undoubtedly has a comprehensive list of quarterbacks they are evaluating, and they will carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. The key is to remain flexible and adaptable, recognizing that the quarterback landscape can change rapidly.

The Importance of Long-Term Planning: Building a Sustainable Quarterback Strategy

The discussion surrounding Dillon Gabriel and other potential post-Hurts options underscores the importance of long-term planning in the NFL. Quarterback is the most important position on the field, and teams must have a sustainable strategy for acquiring and developing talent at that position. This strategy should involve:

Thorough Scouting: The Eagles must have a robust scouting department that is constantly evaluating quarterbacks at all levels, from college to the NFL.
Developing Coaches: The Eagles must have coaches who are capable of developing and maximizing the potential of quarterbacks.
Flexible Approach: The Eagles must be willing to explore all potential avenues for acquiring talent, including the draft, free agency, and the trade market.
Patience and Persistence: Developing a quarterback takes time and patience. The Eagles must be willing to invest in a quarterback's development and provide him with the opportunity to grow and learn.

By implementing a sustainable quarterback strategy, the Eagles can ensure that they are always well-positioned to compete for championships, regardless of who is under center. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining long-term success in the ever-competitive NFL landscape.

The Verdict: Could Dillon Gabriel Be the Eagles' Next QB?

Whether Dillon Gabriel could be the Eagles' next quarterback is a question with no definitive answer at this point. He possesses a skill set that could potentially translate well to the NFL and to the Eagles' offensive scheme. His experience, leadership, and mobility are all valuable assets. The potential connection to Kevin Stefanski adds another layer of intrigue to the discussion. However, Gabriel also has areas where he needs to improve, and the Eagles must carefully evaluate his potential before making a decision.

Ultimately, the Eagles' decision will depend on a variety of factors, including their evaluation of Gabriel's talent, his fit within their offensive scheme, and their overall quarterback strategy. They must also consider other potential options, including drafting a quarterback, exploring the free agent market, and scouring the trade market.

What is clear is that the Eagles are constantly evaluating the quarterback landscape and exploring potential future options. This proactive approach is a testament to their commitment to long-term success. Whether Dillon Gabriel ultimately becomes an Eagle remains to be seen, but his name is certainly one to watch in the coming months and years.

The Long-Term View: Dynasty Building Through Strategic QB Acquisitions

Looking beyond immediate needs, the Eagles, like all successful NFL franchises, are constantly striving to build a dynasty. A key component of dynasty building is a consistent and strategic approach to quarterback acquisitions. This doesn't necessarily mean drafting a quarterback every year, but it does mean always having a pipeline of potential talent and being prepared to make a move when the opportunity arises.

Evaluating Character and Work Ethic: Beyond the physical skills, the Eagles must prioritize character and work ethic when evaluating quarterbacks. A player with a strong character and a relentless work ethic is more likely to develop into a successful NFL quarterback.
Creating a Positive Learning Environment: The Eagles must create a positive and supportive learning environment for their quarterbacks. This includes providing them with excellent coaching, mentorship, and opportunities to develop their skills.
Being Patient and Persistent: Quarterback development takes time and patience. The Eagles must be willing to invest in a quarterback's development and provide him with the opportunity to grow and learn, even if it means experiencing some growing pains along the way.

By taking a long-term view and implementing a strategic approach to quarterback acquisitions, the Eagles can increase their chances of building a sustainable dynasty and competing for championships for years to come. The exploration of options like Dillon Gabriel is a testament to their commitment to this long-term vision.