The Cleveland Browns are entering a Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with a chance to see Shedeur Sanders as the starting quarterback for the first time.
While his NFL debut in Week 11 didn't go well, he has a chance to bounce back against the Raiders. Dillon Gabriel hasn't been incredible in his starts either, leading to a shaky quarterback room comprised of two struggling rookies.
In the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns are one of many teams that could take a quarterback. And as Dane Brugler of The Athletic notes, the Browns might be the most desperate team in the NFL for a quarterback.
Why Browns are 'desperate' for a new QB in 2026 NFL Draft
"But the franchise feeling the most desperation will be the Cleveland Browns." Brugler writes. "The Browns wanted to draft the position early last year, but viewed it as a one-quarterback class."
Cam Ward went number one overall to the Tennessee Titans, and picking at third overall, there was no quarterback worth it for Cleveland. They wound up taking Gabriel and Sanders late in the draft, but neither is a lock to have the starting job in 2026.
"Neither Dillon Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders would stop the Browns from drafting a quarterback in the top five if they got the chance," Brugler writes.
More: Former AFC coach accuses Shedeur Sanders of only caring about himself after Browns vs. Ravens game
The Browns' likelihood of drafting a new quarterback is high. Gabriel and Sanders haven't shown enough to warrant the Browns not taking a new quarterback high in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With their strong defense led by Myles Garrett, and the young rookies from the 2025 class (other than Gabriel and Sanders) all being strong contributors, the Browns need to find a quarterback.
Wasting the prime of Garrett, and the rookie contracts of some incredible players like Carson Schewsinger, Quinshon Judkins, Mason Graham, and Harold Fannin would be a massive blunder.
That fear is likely what's causing this desperation to set in that Brugler describes. This Browns team can be a playoff contender with a good quarterback, and so far, neither Gabriel nor Sanders has shown they can be such a player for Cleveland.
More Browns News:
- Browns predicted to replace Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders with new quarterback in 2026
- Browns' Kevin Stefanski makes odd Madden comparison amid play-caller change
- Myles Garrett's comments show Shedeur Sanders could be franchise quarterback
- Browns' Myles Garrett backs Shedeur Sanders after rough NFL debut
- Shannon Sharpe blasts Browns for Shedeur Sanders' decision amid NFL debut
- Browns' Myles Garrett makes NFL history with six-season sack streak