The Cleveland Browns are unlikely to pursue two of the top quarterback options this offseason.
Cleveland needs a quarterback, despite the Browns having Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel under contract. The Browns had been linked to pending free agent Malik Willis. Yet insider Zac Jackson of The Athletic believes Cleveland won’t pursue Willis or Kyler Murray.
“At the risk of being wrong because it’s early and because, well, the Browns’ recent quarterback decisions haven’t exactly been spectacular,” Jackson wrote. “I don’t believe they will end up being a real suitor for Malik Willis, likely the top available free-agent quarterback. And I don’t believe Cleveland is a real potential landing spot for Kyler Murray if Arizona decides to move on.
“I can see the Browns entertaining a potential trade, but I predict they pass on those ideas and give Sanders a runway to be the No. 1 quarterback for the summer and early fall.”
The Browns not pursuing Willis or Murray would be a surprise, but Jackson believes the team may give Shedeur Sanders a chance to start all season.
Sanders showed flashes of being the answer at quarterback, and Jackson expects the Browns to let him have the job to begin the season.
Browns Likely to Focus on 2027 to Find a QB
Although Jackson believes the Browns will keep Sanders as the starter in 2026, he may not be the long-term answer.
Instead, Jackson believes Cleveland will focus on 2027 as the offseason to find their true franchise quarterback.
“To me, though, everything points to 2027,” Jackson added. “This year, Sanders has a chance to build on what he did late in 2025 and demonstrate to Monken that he’s ready to leap. Watson stands as a fallback option because he has to be. Maybe he’s a true wild card, but little Watson did in his first three seasons in Cleveland suggests he will suddenly be an answer to leading a playoff contender.
“If the Browns like a draft-eligible prospect and find themselves positioned to get one, that player looms as next in line. But it won’t necessarily have been drafted high enough to prevent another shift in thinking ahead of 2027. Starting the draft with an offensive tackle or wide receiver at No. 6, addressing the other at No. 24, and then using a pick. No. 39 (or another pick via trade) for a quarterback seems like a sensible plan.”
Sanders finished the year throwing for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions last season and was named to the Pro Bowl.
Cleveland Could Still Draft a QB in 2026
Although Jackson doesn’t expect the Browns to pursue a quarterback this offseason, the team could still use a later pick on a quarterback.
Jackson doesn’t think the Browns will fall in love with any of the quarterbacks. But they could take one as they have a bevy of picks.
“I predict the team will use this year’s draft to add another eventual competitor to the mix,” Jackson added. “Maybe Sanders will win the job. Or maybe a 2026 draft pick like Alabama’s Ty Simpson, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier or Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss will eventually become Cleveland’s 43rd starting quarterback since 1999.”
Regardless, it does appear Sanders is the front-runner to be the Browns’ starting QB in 2026.
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