When counting Dillon Gabriel, who has been placed on the injured reserve list, the Cleveland Browns are entering the 2026 NFL season with four quarterbacks on their roster. With none of their options standing out, that could be a recipe for some uncomfortable scenarios.
However, one analyst believes the team could go through a major shakeup almost immediately. Seeing a new free agent in the market, he believes the organization could benefit from adding him to the roster, albeit at the cost of losing Shedeur Sanders.
One Move Stands Between Shedeur Sanders and the Browns
After a battle for the QB1 spot between Sanders and Deshaun Watson, the Browns chose to give the role to the three-time Pro Bowler. That has slotted the second-year quarterback into a backup role.
But that might vanish in an instant if Jared Mueller of Dawgs By Nature has his way. The Browns analyst argued that making a move to bring in Joe Milton, who was recently released by the Dallas Cowboys, would be a death sentence for Sanders’ position on the team.
“The addition of Milton would likely lead to the departure of either Shedeur Sanders or the rookie Green,” Mueller argued, before adding, “With Milton’s experience and Green entering his first season, Sanders seems like the odd man out if the Browns were to claim Milton.”
Last season, Sanders got the starting role for the Browns for the final seven games of the season. Tallying more interceptions than touchdowns, he finished as the second-worst player on PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metrics.
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However, Milton, as a backup to Dak Prescott, did not get much playing time. Instead, his biggest claim to fame has been the final game of the 2024 NFL season, where he tallied 241 passing yards while completing 22 of 29 passes and recording two touchdowns.
This preseason, though, has also increased his viability as a starter. For comparison, Milton posted the seventh-best QB Impact Score during this preseason with a grade of 77.9, while Sanders ranked 33rd with a 70.6 grade.
As a result, Mueller argued, “Claiming Milton could just be the final nail in Sanders’ time with the Browns.” But as for how that time comes to an end, the analyst believed the Browns could explore all their options before coming to a decision.
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“If the Browns decide to pull the ripcord on the Sanders experience in favor of Milton, it is possible that GM Andrew Berry can find a trade partner who is looking for a quarterback to develop and likes Sanders’ upside.”
As a result, Mueller concluded, “Browns adding former Cowboys QB Joe Milton would likely end Shedeur Sanders’ time in CLE.” It remains to be seen if the Browns actually go through with the move.
Parting ways with Milton was a confusing choice for Dallas as it is. But given the upside he has shown in his brief time on the field, it might not be the worst idea for the Browns to take a shot at the young quarterback.
