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2026 NFL Draft Rumors: Browns Kevin Stefanski Predicted to Draft Another QB

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Pankti Parmar | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 1:30 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns might be ready to move on to another QB in the 2026 NFL Draft. If head coach Kevin Stefanski doesn’t get what he wants from his QB room this season, chances are they will pick another QB to add to their infamous ‘QB carousel’.

Given the flux their QB situation is in, Stefanski will not settle for quarterbacks who can’t deliver instantly. This would make the franchise a top team on a QB hunt. Moreover, they are already predicted to have a top-5 pick at least in the way-too-early 2026 NFL mock drafts.

It makes the situation even easier for the front office to get another QB on board, in whom they see franchise QB potential. The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner believes it will be a certain someone from the University of South Carolina.

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.

LaNorris Sellers Predicted to be Kevin Stefanski’s Choice

The Browns take South Carolina’s QB LaNorris Sellers in The Athletic’s latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

It clearly comes with a big caveat. How the 2025 season goes for both the Browns and Sellers will heavily impact the prediction. Stefanski might not need to draft another QB at all if either of his rookies, Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders, delivers perfectly this season.

On the other end, how Seller’s season with the Gamecocks turns out will also affect how high he will be drafted. Touted as a Heisman candidate, Sellers has high expectations to deliver.

“So much of this depends on what we see from the 20-year-old Sellers this season,” Baumgardner wrote.

“He had some very nice stretches in the pocket as a sophomore last season, though, while remaining dangerous in the open field— and difficult to tackle at 6 feet 3, 242 pounds. He has youthful habits to iron out, but Sellers has the tools to be a star at the next level.”

Nov 30, 2024; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) scores the winning touchdown against Clemson during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

How Stefanski’s Decision Will Affect Rookie QBs

If push comes to shove and the Browns go for Sellers, it will mean the end of Sanders’ chances of becoming the Browns’ starting QB. Already last on the QB depth chart, Sanders will likely stay benched for most of the season. This means he doesn’t even have much scope to prove himself much this season.

“Bringing in a talent like Sellers with the No. 2 overall pick would likely be the end of Sanders’ starting hopes in Cleveland. It’s likely that the team would move forward and build around a player picked that high in the draft,” Baumgardner added.

Salt to Sanders’ wound be Gabriel performing extremely well as the backup QB to Flacco this season.

The only way Sanders gets a chance at becoming the QB1 would be if the Browns’ offense turns out to be a complete hot mess, one that his fellow rookie QB Gabriel can’t handle.

All of this has high chances of changing once the Browns start their regular season. How they perform with a revamped offense will decide whether they get another QB next season.

The Cleveland Browns welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to Huntington Bank Field on Sept. 7 as their season-opening opponent.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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