Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Dilemma: A Look Ahead to 2026

The Cleveland Browns are facing significant uncertainty regarding their starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season. Currently, the team has three quarterbacks under contract: Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders, a fifth-round pick in 2025, started the last seven games of the previous season, finishing with a 3-4 record, 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. Watson, a former Pro Bowler, missed the entire 2025 season due to Achilles injuries and carries a substantial salary cap hit of $80.7 million for 2026. Gabriel, a third-round pick, also saw limited success, going 1-5 as a starter.

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As the Browns prepare for the offseason, they are actively exploring external quarterback options. General Manager Andrew Berry has indicated that the team is open to adding another quarterback, either through free agency or the draft. Notably, the Browns are reportedly interested in Malik Willis, the backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, who is expected to be a top free-agent target. Willis has shown promise, completing 30 of 35 passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns last season, and could command a contract worth approximately $35 million annually.

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In addition to Willis, the Browns are considering Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who is projected to be selected in the first round of the upcoming draft. Simpson is viewed as a high-upside prospect but has limited experience, having started only 15 games in college. The Browns hold the sixth and 24th overall picks in the draft, providing them with opportunities to secure a quarterback if they choose to do so.

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During the NFL Scouting Combine, Berry emphasized the importance of competition at the quarterback position, stating, "We don't have to make that decision anytime soon." He acknowledged the need for all quarterbacks in the room to compete for the starting role. New head coach Todd Monken has also refrained from committing to any specific quarterback, indicating that the decision will be made based on performance during the offseason.

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Monken's offensive philosophy, which emphasizes a run-heavy attack, may influence the type of quarterback the Browns pursue. He previously worked with mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, suggesting that a dual-threat option like Willis could fit well within his system.

Todd Monken just made Browns QB debates look silly

Despite the potential for new acquisitions, there are concerns about the Browns' quarterback situation. Critics argue that relying on Sanders and Gabriel, both of whom struggled in their rookie seasons, may not be a viable long-term strategy. Some analysts suggest that the team should fully commit to Sanders as the starter to allow him to develop, while others advocate for pursuing a more established quarterback to ensure competitiveness.

Bleacher Report

As the offseason progresses, the Browns will need to make critical decisions regarding their quarterback situation. The legal tampering period for free agency begins on March 9, followed by the official start of free agency on March 11. The draft will take place in late April, providing the Browns with multiple avenues to address their quarterback needs. The decisions made in the coming weeks will significantly impact the team's trajectory as they aim to improve upon their disappointing 5-12 record from the previous season.

What Browns GM Andrew Berry just said about Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders

• “So, we don't have to make that decision anytime soon.” — Andrew Berry, General Manager

Akron Beacon Journal

• “You’ve got to have a quarterback to give yourself a chance to win in this league.” — Todd Monken, Head Coach

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• “I think the biggest thing that we want to see from Shedeur is just continued growth.” — Andrew Berry, General Manager

Cleveland Browns Set Watson vs. Sanders QB Battle for Upcoming Season

• “Willis is arguably the top quarterback on the market, and the Browns will do their diligence and inquire about him,” — Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com

Newsweek

The Browns' quarterback situation remains fluid, and how they navigate the upcoming offseason will be crucial in determining their success in the 2026 season.

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