The Cleveland Browns are expected to replace Shedeur Sanders with an intriguing option this offseason.
Cleveland finished the year with Sanders as its starting quarterback, and he did show some flashes of being the long-term answer. However, one NFL exec doesn’t think the Browns will go into next season with Sanders as their starting quarterback.
“I just don’t think (the Browns) go into the season with Shedeur as their top option,” an NFC personnel man said to ESPN. “And getting the right quarterback in the draft isn’t a guarantee based on where they pick.”
Sanders will likely be on Cleveland’s roster, but he could be competing for the starting quarterback position next season.
However, the Browns could look to sign a quarterback or draft one to be their franchise guy. Regardless, one NFL exec doesn’t think Sanders is the long-term answer at quarterback for Cleveland.
Sanders finished the year going 120-for-212 for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Browns Linked to Malik Willis
With the Browns unlikely to keep Sanders as their starting quarterback next season, the team could look at free agent options.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler believes quarterback Malik Willis will sign with one of the Browns or Miami Dolphins.
“If Daniel Jones returns to the Indianapolis Colts as many expect, Willis emerges as a possible top free agent at the position,” Fowler wrote. “Willis made some coin with his performance in relief of Jordan Love in Green Bay, showing dual-threat ability that a new offensive mind could mold.
“The Browns have the Nos. 6 and 24 picks in the first round of April’s draft. No regime will know Willis’ strengths better than Miami, which just hired a brain trust of GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley from Green Bay. The Packers valued Willis’ development and Miami could bear the fruits of that labor.”
Willis is a free agent and is likely the top free agent quarterback available. The former second-round pick of the Tennessee Titans showed flashes of being a starter with the Packers this season.
Willis finished the year going 30-for-35 for 422 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Andrew Berry Wouldn’t Commit to Sanders
Heading into the offseason, the Browns will have plenty of questions, but none bigger than who is their franchise quarterback.
Cleveland could look to trade for a quarterback or draft one, as general manager Andrew Berry hinted at the team looking at all options and not remaining with Sanders.
“You know, I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year,” Berry said on Jan. 5 about Sanders. “I think that’s both mentally, physically, playing the position. He’s still very much a work in progress like many rookie quarterbacks are. But I think we saw some really good things in terms of his playmaking, his accuracy, his ability to extend them with his feet. And I think I’d also give him credit as well as our offensive staff for bringing him along in terms of his pocket management, his situational awareness and things of that nature.
“Now that all being said, we’re going to do our work on the quarterback market. It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified. I can’t sit here and tell you today, you know, whether the solution for or the starter in 2026 is internal or external. But it’s something that we’re going to work through over the next several weeks. And quite honestly, the new head coach will also have a lot of input into that as well.”
Sanders was selected 144th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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