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Browns Announce Their Official Quarterback Plan For 2026

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 10:40 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns may resume their long-running search for a franchise quarterback this offseason.

Cleveland drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in hopes of securing a Deshaun Watson replacement, but they finished 31st in passing offense with the league's worst team completion percentage (57.9) and quarterback rating (69.9) during a 5-12 campaign.

The Browns set the stage for an offseason overhaul by firing two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski. In his Monday press conference following the move, general manager Andrew Berry said the new head coach will play a role in navigating the team's quarterback situation.

"We’re going to do our work on the quarterback market," Berry said, via Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. "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 whether the solution for 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 on that, as well."

Berry comments on Shedeur Sanders

Nov 16, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws downfield during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images© Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Sanders finished the 2025 season under center for Cleveland, but the polarizing rookie didn't silence critics and run away with the starting job. The fifth-round pick registered a 68.1 quarterback rating with seven passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions, falling short of 200 passing yards in each of his final four starts.

Berry credited Sanders for showing growth throughout his first taste of NFL action without committing to the 23-year-old as a long-term solution.

"I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year,” Berry said. "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 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."

Cleveland's quarterback options

The Browns could give another look to Sanders or Gabriel, who posted an 80.8 quarterback rating in 10 games. However, it seems more likely that Cleveland will at least ascertain some competition for the 2026 starting role.

Cleveland likely won't wait as long to select a quarterback in this year's draft. While they hurt their positioning with back-to-back wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, they could still target a new signal-caller with the No. 6 pick. They also have the Jacksonville Jaguars' first-round pick, which can help Berry trade up or pursue someone later on the opening night.

Berry may miss out on Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore. If pivoting to the free-agent market, the Browns may have to settle for a one-year stopgap with few standout options available.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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