Sanders Or A Rookie: Browns QB Decision Looms

Heading into the 2025 season, Sanders seemed unlikely to see meaningful snaps for the Browns. After Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco were traded, and rookie Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion in Week 11, that slim opportunity quickly became reality.

Sanders’ first action came against the Baltimore Ravens, where it was clear he was adjusting to the speed and physicality of NFL competition. He earned his first start the following week against the Las Vegas Raiders, completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a win.

Sanders followed that with a steady 16-for-25, 149-yard, one-touchdown outing against a strong San Francisco 49ers defense. He then delivered his best performance yet last Sunday, throwing for 364 yards and four total touchdowns on 23-of-42 passing against the Tennessee Titans.

The flashes are undeniable, but consistency remains the key. Sanders has shown he could be Cleveland’s quarterback of the future, yet he will need to build on these performances over the final four games to solidify his case for 2026.

To give the organization a fuller evaluation, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Sanders will start the rest of the season. This gives Browns management a clearer sample to assess before making their offseason decision.

The Case For A Rookie

While the 2026 quarterback class is viewed as relatively weak, two prospects stand out as potential long-term NFL starters.

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely considered the top prospect in the class. However, some evaluators believe Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore could challenge him once the pre-draft process unfolds.

Regardless of the order, both are expected to be early selections and the clear headliners of this quarterback group.

Moore fits the mold of the modern NFL passer. At 6’3″ and 206 pounds, he brings a strong foundation for the next level. He is an accurate pocket thrower with enough mobility to extend plays when needed. His biggest question mark is limited experience, but his physical traits and natural talent are hard to overlook.

Mendoza shares many of Moore’s best qualities. At 6’5″ and 225 pounds, he has the frame and skill set NFL teams covet. He combines downfield accuracy with mobility and has a deeper résumé of on-field experience, which some scouts view as a significant advantage.

Both quarterbacks will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities in the College Football Playoff, giving scouts another high-pressure stage to evaluate them.

End Of My Cleveland Browns Quarterback Rant

Overall, the Browns’ front office faces a pivotal decision in choosing the quarterback who can lead the franchise forward. The right choice could push Cleveland back into playoff contention, while the wrong one risks another multi-year setback.

If I were in the room making that call, I would need to see how Sanders performs over the final four games before seriously considering a draft prospect. If the potential long-term answer is already in the building as a fifth-round pick from just a year ago, that is a major advantage. It would allow the Browns to use their two first-round selections to upgrade other areas of need.

Cleveland’s remaining schedule features several strong defenses, so if Sanders thrives, it becomes difficult to justify moving on from him in 2026. A full offseason devoted to his growth could be an appealing option for the Browns.

If he struggles, and his best work comes against weaker opponents, the picture becomes clearer. In that scenario, keeping him as a backup and using a high draft pick on a potential franchise quarterback becomes the more realistic path.

Evaluating Sanders’ ceiling will also be crucial. If his long-term projection tops out as a serviceable starter, that may not be enough to eventually compete for a Super Bowl. This becomes even more true if the front office believes a draft prospect offers true star potential.

Either way, this situation benefits the Browns. They either discover they already have their future starter in Sanders, or they enter 2026 with a promising young backup and the opportunity to draft their next franchise quarterback.