Shedeur Sanders’ chances to start under center next season for the Cleveland Browns look clear. However, no matter the team’s size, there must be competition for every position, especially for signal-calling.
This QB Might Just Be Competition Enough for Shedeur Sanders
Kyler Murray’s time in Arizona seems to be done, and one possible destination is Cleveland. While some want Malik Willis to go to the Browns, Murray to the Browns could prove a lot of upside and help Cleveland get back to winning ways.
As good as Willis looked under Matt LaFleur’s coaching style in Green Bay, Willis had a pretty small sample size, all things considered. Across 2024 and 2025, he had only 3 games with 11 or more completions.
And that’s the point, Jonathan Peterlin of 92.3 The Fan raised: “If you told me, you have to find a way to get to eight wins. Don’t care how you do it. Find me eight wins. I’m signing Kyler Murray. I’m not signing Malik Willis.”
Now, don’t get it twisted, Willis did look good in those 3 games, especially against the Baltimore Ravens. But the sample size is really small.
However, Murray is more proven, as even though he has missed some time since being drafted in 2019, he still has extensive experience under his belt. Even though it was a loss for the Los Angeles Rams, Murray also had playoff experience, which is an added plus.
Murray also has great experience playing in the cold, especially against AFC North teams. Murray is 4-2 and has a 94 rating against them.
Murray’s best performance, interestingly enough, came against the Browns in 2021. In this game, Murray had four touchdowns and had 229 yards passing. Some fans have questions about whether QBs can play in cold weather, so Murray’s ability to perform well in it is a huge plus.
Kyler Murray Would Fit the Offense
The Browns recently hired former Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken to be their next Head Coach. Monken runs a more West Coast, traditional passing offense rather than many of the play-action, Shanahan-like offenses seen in the NFL. In Murray’s best season, 2021, where he played at an MVP-like level, he played under Kliff Kingsbury.
While Kingsbury and Monken’s offenses are not identical, they do share many similarities. Both offenses like to air the ball out and rely on the QB playing in tempo. So, Murray could adjust to Cleveland’s offense pretty well. As opposed to Willis, who struggled in a similar type of offense when he was with the Tennessee Titans.
As mentioned before, one thing that Murray has over Willis is his experience. The only downside is the injury and the unavailability it causes. In the 2025 season, he played only 5 games and finished 21st in PFSN’s NFL Quarterback Impact metrics.
Murray is a veteran of this league and could help a lot of the Browns’ playmakers. One player in particular is Jerry Jeudy, who is coming off a down season. Murray has shown that he can produce with Jeudy’s type of receiving, which is more possession- and route-runner-oriented.
From DeAndre Hopkins to Christian Kirk, Murray works well with that archetype, so Jeudy could have a bounce-back year. Additionally, Murray, with his speed, could pair with Quinshon Judkins for a lethal running game.
Overall, Murray has many proven traits, and if it materializes, he could be the next franchise quarterback in Cleveland. However, if his risks outweigh the pros, Cleveland could move on. The Browns though are out a spot where taking a chance on Murray might just be what helps the franchise.
