The Cleveland Browns captured nationwide attention during the 2025 offseason thanks to their unusual quarterback room. After the team drafted two rookies to join the veterans on the roster, many fans believed that one of those signal-callers would rise to the surface and help get their struggling offense back on track.
Unfortunately, they did not seem to get the definitive answer they were hoping for. Instead, the Browns started three different quarterbacks during the season, ending with rookie Shedeur Sanders. However, many feel that Sanders should have to compete heading into 2026.
Why the Cleveland Browns Face Another QB Competition in 2026
ESPN analyst Kevin Clark recently spoke with Jason McCourty and Peter Schrager on “Get Up” about the Browns’ quarterback situation. Schrager asked him whether he believes Sanders should be the starter heading into 2026 and whether he should face Deshaun Watson for the job.
“I absolutely wouldn’t bring anybody else into that room. I would not include Deshaun Watson in this quarterback competition. I think it’s a waste of time for everybody as far as what the Browns are trying to build. I also think it’s justifying that decision and trying to make it look better than it actually was. It was the worst trade in NFL history.
“For Shedeur, I think it should be Dillon Gabriel versus Shedeur in camp. Shedeur wins that competition 100 times out of 100. He has a higher ceiling. He showed better film last year. Maybe he’s not your franchise guy for the next 10 years, but in 2026, let’s see what he can do. I’m going with Shedeur, give him a try out.”
According to PFSN’s QB Impact metric, Sanders outperformed his fellow rookie in 2025. He played in 8 games and earned a score of 56.9, which is an F. Gabriel played in 10 games, starting in 6, and he earned a score of 51.0.
Ultimately, as the Browns turn the page to the 2026 season, their search for stability under center remains the franchise’s most pressing storyline. While neither rookie set the league on fire during their debut campaigns, the underlying metrics and expert consensus point toward Sanders as the most viable option to lead the offense.
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By focusing on a dedicated camp battle between Sanders and Gabriel, and finally closing the book on the Deshaun Watson era, Cleveland can evaluate their young talent with clear eyes.
For Sanders, the upcoming season presents more than just a training camp tryout; it is a critical opportunity to prove he can be the long-term franchise quarterback the Browns have spent years desperately searching for.
