The Cleveland Browns have a big decision to make this offseason. While they're searching for their new head coach, that new coach, alongside Andrew Berry and the front office, will need to decide on their quarterback for 2026.
Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are already on the roster, as is Deshaun Watson. But, Cleveland likely is done with Watson, and Gabriel didn't show enough potential to be an NFL starting quarterback.
But when it comes to Sanders, there are some major unknowns. He showed some potential, but he struggled mightily this past season. One NFC exec, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, made a prediction that is bad news for Sanders.
NFC exec makes prediction that's bad news for Shedeur Sanders
"I just don't think (the Browns) go into the season with Shedeur (Sanders) as their top option," an NFC personnel man said. "And getting the right quarterback in the draft isn't a guarantee based on where they pick."
This prediction from an NFC personnel man doesn't bode well for Sanders' chances to start for the Browns in 2026.
The Browns might not land a replacement for Sanders and Gabriel in the draft, as the quarterback options after Fernando Mendoza aren't great.
More: Shedeur Sanders looked every bit a fifth-round pick to close out the season
Instead, adding someone in free agency would make a lot of sense. Malik Willis is the top option, and while Daniel Jones will likely return to the Indianapolis Colts, he, too, could be an option in Cleveland.
Regardless of who it ends up being, this NFC exec believes the Browns won't go into 2026 with Sanders as the starting quarterback. Even though he showed some promise, the low-lights haven't been ideal.
And with a new coach coming in, they might not want to stick with Sanders as the starter, and instead choose to pursue a new quarterback to lead the offense in 2026.
More Browns news:
- Three head coaches Browns could hire to help Shedeur Sanders develop after firing Kevin Stefanski
- Myles Garrett was 'scared as hell' he wouldn't break sack record
- LeBron James sends message to Browns’ Myles Garrett after breaking sack record
- Myles Garrett final stats: Browns star breaks NFL single-season sack record against Bengals in Week 18
- Browns get $10 million projection on David Njoku's free agent contract