Browns predicted to ditch Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders for 30-TD superstar quarterback

The Cleveland Browns are once again going through a quarterback crisis.

Despite acquiring four new signal-callers this offseason, none have panned out. Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are no longer on the team, while Dillon Gabriel has been underwhelming as a third-round rookie.

With Gabriel dealing with a concussion, Shedeur Sanders is set to make the first start of his career. The fifth-round rookie made his NFL debut in Week 11 versus the Baltimore Ravens, and was incredibly uninspiring, completing four of 16 passes for 47 yards and an interception.

Cleveland will likely be back in the quarterback market in the spring, Bleacher Report's Alex Kay predicts the team will select Indiana signal-caller Fernando Mendoza in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

"The Browns shouldn't hesitate to take Mendoza as early as No. 1 overall and instantly hand him the keys to their offense. He represents their best chance of becoming a consistent contender for the first time since returning to the league nearly three decades ago," Kay wrote.

Mendoza is having a breakout season, as the junior quarterback has posted 30 touchdowns to just five interceptions with a 73% completion rate. The 22-year-old has led Indiana to an 8-0 start and is the current frontrunner for the Heisman trophy

The Browns haven't had success with drafting signal-callers, but Mendoza is a highly-touted prospect with the potential to be a franchise quarterback. The California transfer possesses pinpoint accuracy and is also an underrated athlete with terrific size at 6-foot-5.

If Sanders and Gabriel don't prove to be long-term answers by the end of the season, Cleveland will have to explore all possible options at quarterback in 2026. Selecting Mendoza with a premium pick and completely restarting the position is an option the Browns should explore.