With the NFL scouting combine underway, the Cleveland Browns are evaluating their quarterback situation for the 2026 season, keeping a close eye on Green Bay Packers impending free-agent Malik Willis and Alabama’s Ty Simpson. According to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, their interest in these external quarterbacks reflects ongoing uncertainty about the current roster. The Browns remain uncertain whether either Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson can lead the team in 2026. While Watson brings more NFL experience, his availability has been severely limited since sustaining a torn Achilles in 2024 and signing a massive five-year, $230 million deal with Cleveland in 2022. Meanwhile, Sanders, a fifth-round rookie, completed just 56.6% of his passes last season with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions over eight games. Bringing in Willis or Simpson would demonstrate a clear lack of confidence in both quarterbacks currently under contract.
Running Back Stability in Green Bay with Josh Jacobs
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed during the scouting combine that running back Josh Jacobs will definitely remain with the team in 2026. Jacobs, now 28, signed a four-year, $48 million extension in 2024 and finished the 2025 season with 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, plus 36 receptions for 282 yards and an additional touchdown. Despite a late-season dip in production due to a lingering knee injury, his overall contributions underline his vital role within Green Bay’s offense. Jacobs has recorded four 1,000-yard rushing seasons and has consistently delivered double-digit rushing touchdowns across his seven-year career, underscoring his reliability as the Packers’ main back.
Emanuel Wilson’s Role as a Backup Running Back
Backup running back Emanuel Wilson, who will become a restricted free agent, remains a key depth piece behind Jacobs. Wilson logged 496 rushing yards and three touchdowns on a career-high 125 carries in 2025, along with 15 receptions for 99 yards. His best performance came in Week 12 when he started in place of an injured Jacobs, rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns. If Wilson stays in Green Bay, and depending on the health of MarShawn Lloyd, he is expected to maintain his status as the top handcuff. However, for Wilson to consistently contribute as a fantasy starter, Jacobs would likely need to miss time again.
Matthew Golden’s Projected Increased Offensive Role
Wide receiver Matthew Golden, a 22-year-old rookie selected 23rd overall from Texas, had a modest first season in 2025, with 29 receptions for 361 yards and no touchdowns across 14 games. This output was surprising given the injury to tight end Tucker Kraft, as Golden’s opportunities seemed limited. The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman forecasts that Golden will have a significantly expanded role in the Packers’ offense next season. Although he will probably remain behind Christian Watson and Jayden Reed in the receiving hierarchy, Golden
to be a much bigger part of the game plan next season
, and Schneidman
wouldn’t hesitate to use him over Dontayvion Wicks.
With Romeo Doubs expected to leave via free agency, Golden has a clear pathway to increased targets and could be a valuable asset in both redraft and dynasty fantasy leagues going forward.
Romeo Doubs Anticipated to Depart Packers in Free Agency
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs is widely expected to leave the team in free agency after a productive 2025 campaign. Doubs, who caught 55 passes for 724 yards and six touchdowns last season, is anticipated to sign a multi-year contract with a new team this offseason. Although he is unlikely to assume a No. 1 receiving role with his next team, Doubs’ track record of 202 receptions for 2,424 yards and 21 touchdowns over four seasons positions him as a top-five free-agent wideout entering 2026. His ability to serve as a solid No. 2 or No. 3 fantasy option makes him an attractive prospect for teams seeking depth and versatility in their receiving corps.
Malik Willis Poised for Multiple Potential Landing Spots
Malik Willis has emerged as a possible target for several NFL teams this offseason, including the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, and Arizona Cardinals. ESPN analyst Matt Bowen views the Dolphins as an especially logical fit due to new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley’s connections to Green Bay. Miami is concurrently exploring a trade of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which could open a window for Willis. New offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is expected to emphasize a scheme
built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in,
which suits Willis’ dual-threat style. In his two years with Green Bay, Willis completed 78.7% of his passes for 976 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions, while also rushing for three scores. If Willis earns a starting role elsewhere, his fantasy value as a QB2 in 2026 will increase substantially.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN adds that the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins are teams to watch closely in Willis’ pursuit, contingent on trades of current quarterbacks. The Cardinals’ new head coach Mike LaFleur can gain insights from his brother, Green Bay’s head coach Matt LaFleur, who has firsthand knowledge of Willis’ abilities. Though Browns head coach Todd Monken appears intent on working with the current quarterback group, Willis remains a potential sleeper for Cleveland should plans shift. Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst conceded that the team does not expect to re-sign Willis, acknowledging that he will likely sign with a team offering a starting opportunity in 2026.
Tucker Kraft’s Rising Stock Despite ACL Injury
Despite suffering a torn ACL in Week 9 of the 2025 season, Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has begun contract extension discussions with the team, highlighting his role as a key offensive player. Kraft accrued 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games before the injury. Known for his high efficiency, Kraft averages 13.7 yards per catch and has scored 15 touchdowns on only 154 career targets. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst noted,
Obviously, he’s a really important part of this football team,
affirming Kraft’s value. He is ahead of schedule in his ACL recovery and is expected to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season, positioning him as a potential high-end fantasy tight end for the upcoming year.
Green Bay’s Quarterback and Offense Outlook for 2026
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love enters the 2026 offseason healthy, having avoided offseason surgery after suffering a thumb injury during training camp and a shoulder injury later in the season. In 2025, Love completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions across 15 starts, ranking as a solid but not elite fantasy option. Gutekunst’s comments confirm Love’s physical readiness for the 2026 campaign, where he is projected as a reliable high-end QB2 rather than a top-tier starter.
Summary: Browns’ Possible Shift Towards Malik Willis at Quarterback
The Browns’ consideration of Malik Willis for 2026 marks a crucial crossroads in their quarterback plans, reflecting growing doubts about Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson’s long-term viability. Willis’ impending free-agent status, combined with interest from several organizations, including the Browns, Dolphins, and Cardinals, makes him one of the most intriguing quarterback options in the upcoming offseason. Meanwhile, Green Bay is set to retain foundational offensive pieces like Josh Jacobs and Tucker Kraft while potentially losing Willis and Romeo Doubs. How these moves unfold will have broad implications not only for the teams involved but also for fantasy football landscapes, especially in dynasty and superflex formats.
