The Cleveland Browns’ pursuit of a reliable quarterback may face new challenges despite Shedeur Sanders joining the team in 2025. General manager Andrew Berry recently expressed hesitation about naming a starting quarterback for the upcoming season, leaving the door open for multiple candidates including veteran Deshaun Watson.
Berry told reporters at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis that it was “too early to say” who would lead the team under center between Sanders and Watson, reflecting ongoing doubts about the Browns’ quarterback future.
Exploring Multiple Quarterback Options for Next Season
According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are evaluating several quarterbacks for the 2026 roster. Besides Sanders and Watson, free agent Malik Willis and Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a projected first-round draft pick, are also being considered as potential starters.
New head coach Todd Monken is reportedly intrigued by Watson, despite the quarterback’s troubled history involving sexual misconduct allegations, inconsistent performances, and serious injuries.
Watson’s Troubled Career and Physical Setbacks
Watson has settled 27 lawsuits accusing him of inappropriate behavior during massages, which have overshadowed his NFL career. Compounding these issues, he is currently recovering from two ruptured Achilles tendons, limiting his recent playing time.
Although Watson has not completed a full season since 2020, he showed some promise during practice sessions last December, as reported by Cabot.
Sanders’ Mixed Rookie Season Despite Pro Bowl Nod
Shedeur Sanders experienced an uneven first year, dropping in the draft from an expected first-round pick to fifth overall before joining Cleveland. He started seven games, achieving a 3-4 record, yet earned a surprising Pro Bowl selection.
Sanders finished his rookie campaign with seven touchdown passes and ten interceptions, a statistical imbalance that underscored the offense’s struggles despite his recognition.
Offensive Challenges Amid Strong Defensive Performance
The Browns’ defense performed well last season, ranking fourth in yards allowed, but the offense was among the league’s worst. With Monken taking the offensive coordinator role after a stint in Baltimore, major changes on offense are anticipated.
Significant Turnover on the Browns’ Offensive Line
Adding to the team’s instability, former Browns right guard Wyatt Teller announced his decision to enter free agency for the 2026 season, joining fellow offensive linemen Cam Robinson, Ethan Pocic, Jack Conklin, and Joel Bitonio in seeking new contracts. This mass departure leaves Cleveland’s entire offensive line in flux.
The Browns hold the sixth and 24th overall picks in the upcoming draft, offering an opportunity to strengthen the offensive line and better protect whichever quarterback starts Week 1.
Potential Draft Strategies to Reinforce Roster Depth
Mary Kay Cabot also reported that Cleveland may consider trading down in the draft to accumulate more picks, aiming to build a stronger and more versatile roster to support the next phase of the team’s rebuilding process.
Implications for the Browns’ Quarterback Future
The ongoing quarterback uncertainty reflects the Browns’ broader challenges in finding stability at this critical position after a two-decade search. With Shedeur Sanders’ promising yet inconsistent rookie year, Watson’s troubled past and injuries, and other candidates in contention, Cleveland’s decision in 2026 could shape the franchise’s prospects for years to come.
The combination of coaching changes, offensive line departures, and multiple quarterback options underscores a pivotal offseason that may determine whether the Browns finally break their quarterback woes or continue facing disappointment on the field.
