With questions surrounding Shedeur Sanders’ role as the Cleveland Browns‘ starting quarterback, the team is exploring other options, including a potential new quarterback from the upcoming NFL draft. The Browns plan to bring in Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson for a visit, aiming to evaluate one of the leading prospects amid uncertainty about Sanders’ future. This move follows remarks suggesting Sanders may not be a secure choice as the primary signal-caller.
Complications in Quarterback Depth Shape Cleveland’s Draft Approach
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero disclosed that the Browns, holding both the sixth and 24th picks in the draft, will host Simpson. The Browns’ quarterback situation remains unstable, as noted by Zac Jackson from The Athletic, who told James Palmer on the Scoop City podcast,
I think Shedeur is No. 1 but the least safe a No. 1 could ever be,
referring to the Browns’ quarterback hierarchy.
Jackson’s analysis underscores the team’s hesitation to rely on options currently on the roster like Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson. He categorized Watson as a
last resort
option, adding that the veteran quarterback
only on the team because the Browns cannot afford to cut him.
The Browns are also considering free agent Malik Willis, but scouting the draft for talent remains a key strategy.
Ty Simpson’s College Credentials and Draft Standing
Ty Simpson became a pivotal figure in Alabama’s offense last season, leading the team to the College Football Playoff. He completed 64.5 percent of his passes, totaling 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Although Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is projected as the top overall pick, Simpson is expected to be the second quarterback taken in the draft.
Recent mock drafts had Simpson being selected late in the first round, with Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department suggesting he could be the Los Angeles Rams‘ choice at No. 29, positioning him as a potential long-term successor to Matthew Stafford. However, the Rams’ pick now belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a trade involving cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Other Potential Draft Picks and Team Needs
The Browns could pursue offensive skill players instead of a quarterback, with projections placing offensive tackle Spencer Fano at No. 6 and wide receiver KC Concepcion at No. 24. This would strengthen Sanders’ support cast for the upcoming season but would leave unresolved the question of quarterback stability.
Sanders’ own rookie season statistics present a mixed picture. He completed 56.6 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, finishing with a quarterback rating (QBR) of 18.9. This placed him 40th in the league and trailing behind quarterbacks like Gabriel, J.J. McCarthy, and Davis Mills, according to Pro Football Reference. His struggles adapting to the NFL level highlight the Browns’ dilemma on whether to commit to his development or look elsewhere.
Decision Time for Cleveland’s Future at Quarterback
The Browns’ front office faces a critical decision: to trust Sanders to improve after a difficult rookie season or to pursue a new direction at quarterback by investing in prospects like Ty Simpson. Bringing Simpson in for a visit signals the team’s openness to adding fresh talent in a position currently clouded with uncertainty. The outcome of this evaluation could define the Browns’ quarterback strategy moving forward.
Former Alabama QB Ty Simpson is on a visit with the Browns, per sources.
The consensus QB2 in this year’s NFL Draft, Simpson is coming off a strong showing at the NFL combine. Cleveland owns the No. 6 and 24 picks. pic.twitter.com/fD21j1WSr6
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 5, 2026
